The COVID-19 pandemic has, in essence, turned the world upside-down. Healthcare in the United States and around the world will never be the same. At its core, this transformation applies to all aspects of clinical care, especially with the rapid adoption of telehealth as a viable alternative to a significant portion of in-office patient-physician visits and a greater focus on remote monitoring as an alternative to in-hospital observation. Likewise, we believe that the economic and transactional sides of the U.S. healthcare system will change as well, both in temporary and permanent ways.

So, it is safe to say that everyone—providers, investors, and, especially, the American consumer, have suffered significantly through the COVID-19 pandemic. As we begin to plow our way out of this crisis, we ask the question, “Which way is up?” By this, we consider what the strategies for affiliation among the players will be as we emerge from the pandemic and reestablish life under our “new normal.” This paper will carefully consider affiliation strategies and strategic planning.