Arkansas Health Network (AHN), a physician-led, Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) serving Arkansas patients, providers and employers through a value-based approach to healthcare, announced that it has earned dual URAC accreditations for Clinical Integration and Employer-Based Population Health. AHN becomes the first Clinically Integrated Network within CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States serving some of the most diverse communities across in the country, to achieve full accreditation by URAC, a nonprofit accreditation entity that sets the highest, evidence-based standards in quality and safety.

“Here at AHN, we’re proving that healthcare providers and employers can improve the quality of care they provide patients while also reducing costs by focusing on a value-based approach to care,” said Arkansas Health Network President & CEO Bob Sarkar, MBA, FACHE. “That means partnering with our patients as well to coordinate more effective, safe and efficient care as part of a holistic approach. These URAC accreditations recognize the highest level of commitment to quality care and solidify our standing as a best-in-class CIN nationally.”

URAC is the independent leader in promoting health care quality by setting high standards for clinical practice, consumer protections, performance measurement, operations infrastructure and risk management. By achieving this status, Arkansas Health Network, a wholly owned subsidiary of CHI St. Vincent, has demonstrated its commitment to quality care, enhanced processes, patient safety and improved outcomes.

“URAC accreditation shows that Arkansas Health Network adheres to best-in-class industry standards for clinical excellence, collaborative care, patient empowerment, risk management and organizational leadership and accountability,” said URAC President and CEO Shawn Griffin, M.D. “With this distinction, Arkansas Health Network demonstrates excellence in quality health care delivery and their commitment to ensuring patient safety.”

As the largest and most successful CIN in the state of Arkansas, AHN manages more than 139,000 patients across the state and partners with a growing network of nearly 3,600 providers, 25 Skilled Nursing Facilities and 18 hospitals. Through a partnership with Arkansas Children’s Care Network and NextHealth, AHN is also able to provide its unique health care delivery model to private employers. The model leverages technology and data analytics to pre-emptively identify high-risk and rising risk patients. These patients are then connected with a care team of registered nurse health coaches, social workers, pharmacists and others to proactively manage their care with an emphasis on preventive, rather than reactive services. The patients’ own physicians are also engaged in this endeavor.