LITTLE ROCK -- Arkansas Health Network and Arkansas Children's Care Network have partnered to offer a new and innovative health-care delivery model for self-insured employers and their participating consumers. The model addresses the rising costs of health care, plan subscribers' health and well-being and access to primary care in the central Arkansas region.

The partnership of the two physician-led, Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs) will give health plans access to more than 430 primary care providers and 1,000 specialists, serving patients of all ages. The goal of this innovative, new population health coordinated care offering is for better patient outcomes and experiences at a lower cost to both self-funded employers and subscribers to their employee health plans.

In addition to the more than 1,400 providers, the high-performing adult and pediatric networks jointly would include all CHI St. Vincent locations in Arkansas, Conway Regional Medical Center, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Arkansas Children's Northwest.

This delivery model, available to area employers, is intended to achieve the results that self-funded health plans are seeking: better health and well-being, lower costs and a better patient experience according to Bob Sarkar, President of Arkansas Health Network.

The physician-led, advanced coordinated care approach helps drive savings because patient outcomes are better and health services are streamlined and effectively utilized.

The offering will be available to employers starting Jan. 1.

The partnership brings together CINs with collaboration experience with self-funded employers and commercial and governmental payors, including Medicare and Medicaid populations. Using a multidisciplinary approach and advanced analytical software, the partnership helps employers create a healthier workforce.

For more information about the new program, visit ArkansasHealthNetwork.com/Employers.