EvergreenHealth Partners has created the Puget Sound region’s first clinically integrated network linking independent physicians and private practices with EvergreenHealth-employed physicians.

The network, which includes nearly 500 providers representing more than 80 practices across the Eastside, began offering the network on Jan. 1 to self-insured organizations and will be available as a commercial insurance network through Regence BlueShield and other insurance carriers pending state approval.

“Employers in western Washington are struggling to keep pace with the increases in health care costs, and we firmly believe that EHP fulfills a very great need, providing high-quality care through a mechanism that fosters accountability and value,” said Paul Buehrens, MD, EvergreenHealth Partners medical director. “For the first time in this area, we’ve created a way for independent physicians to align with a hospital and its staff to use data to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, while driving efficiencies in the delivery of care.”

EvergreenHealth Partners is governed by its 20-member board of managers, which provides guidance, oversight and final decision-making for EvergreenHealth Partners.