Health networks are collaboratives of two or more independent organizations working to improve health outcomes in the areas they serve by addressing the gaps, disparities, and barriers in rural & underserved communities.
Benefits of health networks
Health networks are formed for many reasons. The most common are the following:
- to address a need that cannot be addressed by an organization individually (for financial, logisitical, and other reasons)
- cost-sharing
- increased efficiency/reduced duplication of services
- to create economies of scale
- increase revenue/reduce cost
The constantly changing healthcare system is very challenging. Healthcare professional shortages, and billing and reimbursement difficulties, to name just a couple, create challenges and opportunities for organizations to tackle together. This fosters collaborations which can better and more efficiently address healthcare needs. The sharing of resources, knowledge, ideas and experiences further incentivizes collaborative efforts. Some networks have successfully saved member organizations millions of dollars.
NCHN History
The first informal meetings of NCHN began in the late 1980's where pioneers met to discuss activities of their newly formed networks. These five to seven networks were visionary in forging a new approach to forming relationships among largely competitive institutions and providers to achieve quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Eventually the group decided to create a more formal entity, dedicated specifically to health networks. With 13 organizations present, the first official meeting of NCHN was held in Tempe, Arizona, on December 4, 1995.
Since its incorporation in 1995, NCHN has developed into a nationally recognized, professional membership organization for all types and sizes of health networks across the nation. Membership expanded to include an associate category, for other organizations and individuals that support NCHN's mission.
The Association is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors. All Board Members are leaders of a Network Member. The Association's offerings are determined by members' needs.