I had the pleasure of listening to our President and CEO Kylanne Green speak at the World Congress 5th Annual Clinically and Financially Integrated Delivery Systems Summit. The session, “Recent Shifts in Health Care Policy and How to Modify and Adapt Growth and Acquisition Strategies in a Changing Landscape,” took place September 13 in Chicago, IL.

Kyl was joined on stage by Richard A. Feinstein, Partner, Boies Schiller Flexner LLP; former Director, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission. The panel was moderated by Peter Pavarini, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP, who’s also the former head of the American Health Lawyers Association.

The discussion covered several topics, including the growth of integrated delivery systems, federal policy makers and their position on agreements and contracts being made between systems and providers, and recent crackdowns by the Federal Trade Commission on healthcare partnerships and acquisitions.

For our part, URAC’s Clinical Integration Accreditation allows Clinically Integrated Networks (CIN) to demonstrate due diligence to payors and federal regulators. The actions they’re taking are designed to not only lower costs, but also incentivize physicians to provide quality care. As more systems and networks merge, demonstrating consumer protections and avoiding the appearance of antitrust behaviors will be key for our current and prospective clients.

A few other key insights surfaced as part of the discussion. One being the importance of understanding state and federal policies as it relates to competition and consumer benefits. Based on all that was shared, URAC’s Clinical Integration Accreditation program is ready for its time in the spotlight. URAC is well positioned to help CINs function more smoothly, and with unabashed confidence.