IHP receives certification

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) certified Integrated Health Partners (IHP), a physician hospital organization (PHO), recently. The two-year physician organization (PO) Certification is in credentialing/re-credentialing and in utilization management.

The NCQA Certification program was developed to eliminate duplication of effort and redundant oversight in the health care industry. Certification recognizes the organization's sound management structure, as well as its efforts to continually improve the quality of services it delivers.

"Achieving PO Certification from NCQA demonstrates that Integrated Health Partners has the systems, process, and personnel in place to continuously improve the quality of care it delivers, and to help health plan clients meet their accreditation goals," says Margaret E. O'Kane, president of the National Committee for Quality Assurance

IHP was incorporated in 1995 as the Physician Hospital Organization of Battle Creek through a 50/50 venture between Battle Creek Health System and the Calhoun County Physicians Organization. A board of directors that represents area physicians and BCHS governs it.

IHP's mission is to improve the health status of the communities it serves by promoting accessible, cost-effective, quality care. It helps not only the physician, but also the patient. The patient benefits from IHP because the organization, using nationally accepted standards of care, makes certain physician members have proper credentials. The physicians benefit from membership because they have a group representing them and their staffs in negotiating contracts for lower costs in office and medical supplies and health insurance, as well as better contracts with managed care companies.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.