One of CHOC key strategic initiatives was accomplished in November 2011 with the implementation of a medical foundation, CHOC Specialists. Created in response to physicians seeking closer alignment with the hospital, CHOC Specialists will help both CHOC and contracted physicians address future healthcare delivery and payment reform more effectively.
“As accountable care organizations (ACOs) become more prevalent in Southern California, CHOC Specialists will give our hospitals and contracted physicians a better position from which to respond,” said CHOC Chief Strategy Offificer Elaine Bauer. Late last year, she added, CHOC received a notice of intent from California Children’s Services to award a demonstration pilot project for the care of chronically ill children.
Additionally, the medical foundation’s ability to provide market-rate compensation is expected to increase CHOC’s ability to attract and retain the next generation of pediatric subspecialists who prefer a foundation model with less risk.
CHOC Specialists is operated as a division of CHOC. Planning, operations and fifinance are overseen by a Joint Governance Committee. At this time, CHOC Specialists has a professional services agreement with the Pediatric Subspecialty Faculty.
CHOC continues to have an open medical staff and physicians do not have to join CHOC Specialists in order to practice at CHOC or refer to CHOC physicians. For more information, please contact Elaine Bauer at (714) 532-7672.
