Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Integrated Health Collaborative, LLC?

  • Integrated Health Collaborative is a physician-led, Clinically Integrated Network (CIN)  in Stark and surrounding counties to provide higher quality care to patients.
  • Most physicians are eligible to participate, provided they meet initial and ongoing participation criteria.
  • The company is structured as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aultman Health Foundation, which is funding the initial start-up costs. This enables physicians to join without a capital outlay.

2. What is clinical integration?

  • Clinical integration is the purposeful fostering of collaboration between physicians and hospitals to improve the quality and efficiency of patient-centered care.

3. Why are physicians across the country engaging in clinical integration?

  • To improve the quality of care for patient populations.
  • To prepare for reform as reimbursements shift from volume to value.
  • To collectively develop and benchmark clinical performance and demonstrate value to key stakeholders.

4. What are the characteristics of effective clinical integration initiatives?

  • Using a common IT platform via patient registry.
  • Developing and implementing evidence-based processes.
  • Increasing interdependence and cooperation among physicians.
  • Aligning incentives with health plans and other purchasers of healthcare.

5. What does it mean to be “physician-led?”

  • Eighty percent of Integrated Health Collaborative’s Board of Directors are physicians working in our community.
  • The Board Chair, all Subcommittee Chairpersons, and the company President are physicians.

6. What Integrated Health Collaborative is not:

  • An insurance company.
  • A vehicle to employ physicians.
  • A group practice.
  • A Management Services Organization.
  • A replacement of your medical staff obligations.

7. Is there a fee to join?

  • There is no fee to join or participate. 

8. What benefits are available to me as a member?

  • Access to patient registry, data, and other resources to enable better care for your patients.
  • Opportunity to demonstrate value and link it to reimbursement.
  • Chance to influence the future and be a part of something larger.
  • Resources to prepare for future reform.
  • Enhance referral relationships and practice growth opportunities.
  • You may still participate in other networks.
For general questions or additional information about Accountable Care Organizations, please click here or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.