Nationwide Network of Kidney Health Providers Launched

GREENVILLE, N.C., March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastern Nephrology Associates (ENA) has announced its participation and investment in a new entity aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for Americans living with kidney disease. This new population health management company, InterWell Health, is an alliance currently consisting of over 650 nephrologists and Fresenius Medical Care North America, the nation's leading provider of kidney care products and services. Many of the InterWell Health participants are the most influential in their field and more provider groups will be invited to join.

"ENA's patients are the true beneficiaries of this investment," said Carney Taylor, MD, Co-President of ENA. "Our physicians are proud to be a part of InterWell Health, so they may collaborate with other leaders in nephrology and help to shape population health models in the U.S. for the benefit of our patients."

This partnership was formed to support nephrologists nationwide towards a more rapid adoption of value-based care models in an environment that promotes the full continuum of care for renal patients to slow progression of disease, to maximize the availability of transplant and home therapies, as well as prioritize optimal starts on dialysis. Programs developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services increasingly use quality metrics and physician reimbursement structures to guide practices toward value-based care. These new models are challenging practices to reduce expenses while improving patient outcomes and patient experience across the continuum of kidney disease, from first diagnosis to transplant or dialysis.

"My partners and I see this relationship as substantially advancing ENA's capabilities," said John Herion, MD, ENA's other Co-President. "InterWell Health is unique in providing broad physician collaboration in new care models that address the needs and goals of payers, patients and providers."  

InterWell Health establishes a platform for physician collaboration to improve the quality and efficiency of kidney care. The physician investors are experienced leaders in value-based care, many having played key roles in value-based arrangements like the federal End Stage Renal Disease Seamless Care Organization, or ESCO. InterWell physicians and practice administrators bring the experience needed for innovative healthcare delivery, better early stage patient care, and reduction of unnecessary healthcare expenses to the public and private healthcare systems.

By sharing resources, guiding other practices, and representing the field of nephrology as part of a patient's continuum of care, InterWell Health investors will shape and advance healthcare for people with kidney disease.

For more information about InterWell Health, visit https://www.interwellhealth.com.

For more information about Eastern Nephrology Associates, visit https://easternnephrology.com.

Eastern Nephrology Associates
511 Paladin Drive
Greenville, NC 27834-7826

SOURCE Eastern Nephrology Associates