Pennsylvania Pediatric Health Network LLC (PPHN)

Pediatric primary care groups face a range of challenges in today’s dynamic health care environment. UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh has responded to this environment by creating the Pennsylvania Pediatric Health Network LLC (PPHN).

The PPHN is a separately incorporated, clinically integrated network led and governed by physicians.

Our key strategy is to improve the region's Triple Aim:

• Higher quality care
• Lower cost
• Improved health of children

The PPHN is a collaboration between a hospital system and independent providers using proven protocols and measures to:

• Engage and create synergy among PCPs, specialists, and hospitals.
• Improve clinical and health outcomes.
• Reduce unnecessary duplication, variation, and cost in clinical practice patterns.
• Create an outstanding, full continuum, health care experience for patients and families.
• Be the nexus of care coordination for children with chronic and complex medical problems.
• Position providers to take higher levels of financial accountability to manage the utilization and health of populations through value-based contracting.

The goal of better alignment of payors and their provider networks toward the Triple Aim has changed the competitive landscape.

The PPHN Positions Providers for the Future of Health Care

Rapid change is occurring both on the delivery side and the payor side toward value-based payment models. The industry is moving from pay-for-performance and shared savings models to risk-based contracting for provider incentive alignment.

The network possesses the scale and expertise to effectively address population health management through value-based contracting.

Payment for care coordination in these models is also changing. The PPHN streamlines and enhances patient care and experience through care coordination.

The PPHN:

• Helps both primary and specialty disciplines across the continuum of care.
• Best positions practices to provide the highest quality care.
• Recognizes the care delivered through value-based contracting.

Precise and actionable clinical and practice analytics are crucial to inform strategic planning and improve care at both the practice and population levels.

Overall, the health care market is evolving. Scale, scope (along the full spectrum of integrated care), and aligned incentives are vital for practices and care to thrive in pediatrics.

The PPHN positions providers through this collaborative effort to effectively manage the pediatric population of western Pennsylvania.

Contact the Pennsylvania Pediatric Health Network

To learn more about the PPHN, email Toni Stefan at stefantm@upmc.edu.