Care Network FAQs
The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Care Network is a physician-led association of pediatricians whose goal is to achieve the Quadruple Aim of health reform: improving population health, reducing cost of care, enhancing the patient experience and improving provider satisfaction. We are paving the way toward an integrated system that delivers innovative, seamless care for children and young adults across Southern California. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions.
Questions About the Care Network
The CHLA Care Network is a collaboration of the nation’s foremost pediatric specialists, primary care providers and local clinical leaders. We are implementing quality programs, innovative care models and population health management initiatives to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, pediatric care. Read more about the CHLA Care Network.
What is the geographic reach of the Care Network?
As of 2024, the Care Network includes more than 240 pediatricians across 80 locations in Southern California. It includes the following counties:
- Los Angeles
- Kern
- Orange
- San Bernardino
- Santa Barbara
- Ventura
How does clinical integration change the way pediatricians practice medicine?
Integration facilitates coordinated, efficient pediatric care:
- Pediatricians receive information and support to optimize management of patients with complex medical needs.
- Shared clinical protocols help providers deliver care, including advanced testing and specialist referrals, in a consistent manner.
- Data exchange makes it possible to collaborate so that patients avoid duplicate or unnecessary services.
- Quality improvement efforts help community-based providers adopt best practices that optimize outcomes.
How involved are local physicians in Care Network governance?
Community-based pediatric providers serve on the Care Network Board of Managers. They help us make important decisions, enabling a positive and ongoing impact on member practices.
Local pediatricians also maintain leadership positions and participate in committees related to:
- Finance and contracting
- Member engagement
- Quality and care transformation
FAQs For Care Network Members
The Care Network is comprised of Southern California pediatricians and clinical leaders who share a commitment to optimizing pediatric care through innovation and evidence-based protocols. Care Network members are thought leaders and trusted providers for patients with chronic and complex medical needs. Read more information for current Care Network members.
What types of agreements are Care Network members held to?
Care Network members sign three types of agreements:
- Affiliation agreement: A shared commitment to collaborate toward improving the quality and delivery of cost-effective care across the Southern California pediatric delivery system.
- Data usage agreement: Authorizes the Care Network to collect necessary data for measuring quality improvement efforts and engaging in value-based payor contracts.
- Participation agreement (Optional): Contract with Children’s Health Alliance of Medical Providers (CHAMPS), the Care Network’s payor contracting entity, to facilitate payor agreements.
What types of quality improvement programming are available?
The Care Network facilitates a variety of programs focused on enhancing clinical knowledge and outcomes. Live, case-based and self-paced programming are available.
Some offerings are eligible for continuing medical education (CME), maintenance of certification (MOC) Part 2 and MOC Part 4 credit.
What are the Care Network’s quality improvement focus areas?
We align initiatives, resources and support around the most pressing pediatric clinical topics. Our planning process includes collecting input via annual surveys from Care Network members.
Our 2024 focus areas include:
- Behavioral health
- Genetics
- Nephrology and urology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Weight management
How does the Care Network ensure secure exchange of financial and personal health information?
Several safeguards are in place. We only request data necessary for carrying out Care Network initiatives. We specify this information in your Data Usage Agreement and Participation Agreement. Data exchange goes through a password-protected, web-based and HIPAA-compliant platform. As privacy laws evolve, we will take additional steps, if necessary, to comply.
How will the Care Network change the patient experience?
Clinical integration will help more patients receive timely, appropriate treatment. Shared protocols and clinical quality support in collaboration with CHLA specialists enable pediatricians to safely manage patients with complex medical needs.
Only patients requiring a higher level of care receive referrals for advanced testing and specialty care. Our pediatric experts collaborate with referring providers to tailor services and smooth transitions.
Questions About Joining the Care Network
Care Network members must meet application requirements, complete a review process and sign an affiliation agreement and data usage agreement. Find out more about joining the Care Network.
Who can become a Care Network member?
Membership is open to Southern California pediatricians who:
- Have current and unrestricted California medical licensure
- Follow American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines
- Are Board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics
- Utilize an electronic medical record (EMR)
- Have an interest in participating in quality improvement programs
What are the benefits of joining the Care Network?
As a member of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Care Network, you collaborate with some of the region’s most trusted community-based clinical leaders and the nation’s best pediatric specialists.
Additional benefits include:
- Practice operations support, group purchasing options and payor contracting
- Shared, evidence-based pediatric care protocols
- Special profile in our provider directory demonstrating your affiliation with CHLA. Find a Care Network pediatrician.
- Improved patient access to CHLA pediatric experts
Is CHLA trying to buy my practice?
No. All Care Network member practices maintain private ownership. Participation in our CIN does not in any way alter your organizational structure. You can expect to maintain autonomy over operations and clinical practice.
Is there a fee to join?
Care Network membership is voluntary, and there are no up-front costs. Member practices maintain financial responsibility for expenses associated with participation, many of which are typical business expenditures. These include maintaining current California licensure, CHAMPS membership fees (if applicable), credentialing and an EMR.
If my practice is already part of another CIN, can I join the one at CHLA?
The CHLA Care Network is a non-exclusive organization. Your practice is free to join other CINs and provider collaboratives, such as accountable care organizations (ACOs) if you wish.
Participate in the CHLA Care Network
We invite interested pediatric practices in Southern California to request more information about becoming a member. Learn more about the CHLA Care Network.
Get more information
Learn how to become a member by emailing us at PrimaryCareNetwork@chla.usc.edu.