While the hospital currently participates with various hospital alliances and associations, it remains an independent facility.
The program is voluntary, but 41 hospitals in New York State are participating, including virtually all its major medical centers.
At the same time the hospital participates clinical research and drug testing networking with universities and medibusiness.
More than half the hospitals and a quarter of the physicians in the area participate.
Dr. Johnston said his hospital was participating in the program.
Nearly all acute-care hospitals do participate in Medicare and Medicaid.
More than 1,000 doctors and three other hospitals participate in the plan.
The hospital participates actively in many clinical trials.
The hospital and its physicians participate on numerous managed care and other health insurance plans throughout Metro Atlanta.
The hospital also participates in clinical trials of research discoveries.