The former president of Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) in Arizona, Steve Carlson serves as president and owner of SGC HC Consulting in Missoula, Montana. Drawing upon his hospital experience at FMC, Steve Carlson works closely with independent hospitals and health care systems, providing interim leadership and consultative support.

1. FACTORS INFLUENCING THE SUCCESS OF
INDEPENDENT HOSPITALS
Steve Carlson FMC

2. INTRODUCTION
 The former president of Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) in
Arizona, Steve Carlson serves as president and owner of SGC
HC Consulting in Missoula, Montana. Drawing upon his hospital
experience at FMC, Steve Carlson works closely with
independent hospitals and health care systems, providing interim
leadership and consultative support.
Not surprisingly, quality leadership represents one of the most
indispensable aspects of a successful independent hospital.
Board members and top executives must have dedicated
expertise and strong community ties, both of which improve their
ability to deliver nuanced leadership. In addition to executing
sensitive personnel changes, independent hospital leaders must
be able to terminate contracts and payer relationships when they
fail to fit to meet the hospital’s financial objectives.

3. INDEPENDENT HOSPITALS
 Successful independent hospitals also
benefit from partnerships with organizations
that have established themselves as clinical
leaders. These partnerships give
independent hospitals access to many
valuable resources, ranging from clinical
trials and specialty training to savings driven
by economics of scale. In terms of patient
care, external partners can also help
facilitate patient transitions from inpatient
care to outpatient care.