Wash. system joins movement to clinically integrated networks

EvergreenHealth in Kirkland, Wash., has launched a new clinically integrated network with the goal of aligning independent and employed physicians in the region.

EvergreenHealth Partners includes 500 physicians across 80 practices, as well as physicians who work for EvergreenHealth. The network will focus on preventive care, patient coordination and improved quality, with a goal of publishing quality data in the near future. Physicians who participate also can receive financial incentives for attaining high quality marks.

The network went live to self-insured organizations this past January, including EvergreenHealth, and it is working to gain approval from the state to be available on commercially insured plans. No timeline was given for when this would occur.

“EvergreenHealth is always looking for ways to increase value and quality of care for our patients,” said Bob Malte, CEO of publicly owned EvergreenHealth, in a release. “EvergreenHealth Partners is a thoughtful and creative way to concurrently improve the quality of care for our patients while addressing the marketplace's demand to maintain cost efficiencies.”

Clinically integrated networks have been created in several other areas recently. Earlier this month, Ascension Health and CHE Trinity Health formed one in Michigan. In December, St. Elizabeth Healthcare and TriHealth formed an integrated network in the greater Cincinnati region.

Follow Bob Herman on Twitter: @MHbherman