[November 17, 2014]

Noble Health Alliance Continues Growth

Noble Health Alliance continues to add physicians in advance of the official start of its clinically integrated network on January 1, 2015. More than 1,700 primary care and specialists doctors are now participating in the Alliance, with dozens more joining each week.

Noble's growth is continuing, even as the Alliance's founding health systems-Abington Health, Aria (News - Alert) Health System, Crozer-Keystone Health System, and Einstein Healthcare Network-adapt to the ever-changing environment for healthcare. Recently, Abington announced its intention to affiliate with Jefferson Health System and Crozer-Keystone announced its search for a merger partner.

"Noble remains fully committed to the development of the Alliance as an innovative way for physicians and health systems to improve the qualit of care and lower the cost of care," said Patrick R. Young, chairman and CEO of Noble. The four founding health systems have committed to participating as Noble network providers until at least the end of 2017.

"We understand that our founding health systems also must continue to adapt, and we consider these proposed changes as opportunities for Noble to expand its own network and services," Mr. Young said. "Whatever the outcome of these possible affiliations, or future relationships our founding health systems might develop, Noble is moving quickly toward our goal of developing a high quality accountable care organization. "

Noble has completed its first phase of growth, which has included selecting Independence Blue Cross as its preferred ACO partner, selecting Lumeris for data analysis and reporting, and introducing Noble as the preferred provider network for the 39,000 employees and dependents covered by the member health systems' medical plans. In phase two, Noble is pursuing relationships with additional providers, employers, and payors.

Noble Health Alliance was founded in 2013 as a way for its four founding member health systems to work together while remaining independent and attuned to the needs of their local communities. Together, the Alliance members include 15 hospitals, dozens of outpatient facilities, and more than 4,600 physicians and other providers serving patients throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding counties of southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

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