Kaiser Permanente scoops up Oklahoma’s largest nonprofit health system
Oklahoma-based Integris Health—the largest nonprofit patient care provider in the state—is set to join the Kaiser Permanente network, after the two systems signed an acquisition agreement on Wednesday.
Per the terms, Integris will become part of Risant Health, a subsidiary of Kaiser based in Washington, D.C. that operates multiple value-based healthcare networks, including Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania and Cone Health in North Carolina.
Financial terms for the deal were not disclosed. It has also yet to be finalized, as it will be subject to regulatory approval. If all goes well, the merger could be rubber stamped in early 2027.
The deal would mark the third major acquisition for Risant since 2023, when it was formed for the purpose of buying Geisinger. To support that purchase, Kaiser invested $5 billion for Risant to develop a suite of technologies to support healthcare delivery at a future network of hospitals.
“Together, Risant Health and its organizations are moving healthcare from siloed, episodic care to a value-based care approach with an increased focus on evidence-based care that achieves healthier outcomes for more people,” Kaiser Permanente Chair and CEO Greg Adams said in a statement. “Integris Health’s expertise in complex clinical services, combined with its experiences in value-based care, offers an opportunity to continue improving health and affordability for the people of Oklahoma.”
After the deal is finalized, Kaiser said that Integris will maintain its name and brand, along with all medical staff. Additionally, leadership at the hospital will also remain the same.
“Its mission will not change, and it will continue to work with other health plans, provider organizations, and independent physicians,” Kaiser wrote.
Scalable improvements
Instead of cuts, the California-based nonprofit healthcare group is promising new investments to improve care delivery at Integris, including technology upgrades to bring it up to par with other Risant hospitals.
Kaiser highlighted improvements seen at Geisinger post-acquisition, including a 60% improvement in emergency wait times for patients and an increase in the number of specialty care appointments.
After joining Risant, Geisinger has “realized benefits translating to nearly 1% of operating margin improvement,” Kaiser added.
Cone Health, too, has seen improvements, credited to the use of ambient AI. The reduction in documentation burden has allowed clinicians to spend 14% more time with patients they would have otherwise spent taking notes and filling out forms, Kaiser stated.
"Becoming part of Risant Health is about delivering on our mission—partnering with people to live healthier lives—but faster," said Timothy Pehrson, chief executive officer for Integris Health. "This will be done by adding resources, proven value-based care capabilities and investments in our hospitals and clinics, in growth, in technology, and in the clinical enablers that will help our physicians and nurses serve our communities better.”
“These are investments and capabilities we couldn't make or build on our own, not at this scale and not this fast."
Currently, Integris boasts the largest physician network in the state, providing primary and advanced specialty care. The health system operates 10 acute-care hospitals, 10 specialty hospitals, and a number of clinics.
It has 13,000 employees on the payroll, making it the largest private employer in Oklahoma.
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