About Connecticut Children’s Care Network Healthcare is moving progressively towards creating a collaborative and integrative network of care for all patient populations. Across the country, hospitals are teaming up with physicians to support the quality metrics of their practice, improving the health and wellness of our children. This movement started with the adult population, but is becoming more defined for the pediatric population. Instead of focusing on practice acquisition, this collaboration prioritizes the health of children, supports the practice and works with the physician to assure the best care possible is given. The Connecticut Children’s Care Network will utilize quality metrics to improve clinical care and outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Why Join the Care Network? There are many reasons to join the Care Network. Learn how the network can benefit your practice and patients > Meet the Care Network Team The Care Network is led by a team of pediatric primary care physicians and specialists. Meet the team > Frequently Asked Questions What is a Clinically Integrated Network?A Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) is a network of independent providers and an institution collaborating to improve clinical quality while limiting cost. How does the network improve quality and outcomes for patients?The network aggregates and shares data between the hospital and the provider, to provide more insight into the care of their shared patients. Quality metrics will be developed and set as a standard when running each practice, providing the best possible outcome for the patient. The network will leverage care coordination, improved communication and connections to community programs to focus on improving the overall well-being of the patient. What are the benefits of joining the Connecticut Children’s Care Network?This is your opportunity to be part of a strong pediatric community and implement quality improvement initiatives that actually improve pediatric care. Additionally, you will be able to secure cost savings through Management Services Organization (MSO) services to provide you with group purchasing power. To further improve fiscal health, there are incentive payments available for high performance in the network’s quality improvement program. Learn more about our membership benefits > Can I join the network if my practice doesn’t refer all of its patients to Connecticut Children’s?The network is not exclusive. The overall goal of clinical integration is to improve patient outcomes and reducing costs for all children. While we would encourage you to refer to Connecticut Children’s, it’s not mandatory. What happens if my practice does not reach performance standards?If your practice does not reach performance standards, a peer review process would take place to determine what your performance improvement actions need to be implemented. If they are still not met, further repercussions may be initiated by one of the committees on the physician led board. Is the Connecticut Children’s Care Network exclusive?Our network wants to collaborate with any network who wants to improve quality of care for children. If your practice is part of another network, you’re still able to join us. However, network leadership from both organizations will have to meet and work together develop the terms of their affiliation. Do I need to have an electronic medical record (EMR) to join the network?While you do not need to have a specific EMR, you do need to have one. If you don’t have one, Connecticut Children’s will work with you to provide Epic Community Connect to your practice or assist you in your search for a strong EMR. How will the network improve access to specialists for my patients?By establishing a seamless care coordination protocol, along with quality measures, pediatricians will have more time to dedicate to the care of their patients and make appropriate referrals. Therefore, specialists will be able to focus their efforts on patients who truly need advanced services and treatments. What kind of quality standards will I have to adopt, and how will my daily practice activities be affected?The quality metrics that will be measured are focused on well-child visits, hospital utilization, immunizations, and specialty specific measures such as asthma management and other chronic conditions. Our goal is not to place a burden on your practice, but to strengthen the programs already initiated. How will my practices standards be evaluated?Members of our network will be given reports on their performance and will have the ability to make improvements. The medical director and quality improvement specialists will work with all practices on clinical improvement activities through consultation. If we share data, how will you protect my practice’s financial and patient information?The network’s population health management tool is built to share patient data that complies with all HIPAA regulations. Additionally, the network will only use the data stated in the Participation Agreement. How do I become a member of Connecticut Children's Care Network?To become a member of the Connecticut Children’s Care Network, contact us online or call 860.545.9632.
