By OPEN MINDS Circle
Strive Health is expanding its relationship with Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana (NANI), the nation’s largest independent nephrology group, to deliver higher-quality, cost-effective kidney care to more people. Building on its strategic partnership announced in 2021, Strive and NANI have now established a first-of-its-kind, risk-bearing platform that places the nephrologists at the center of global risk contracts with an increasing number of government and commercial payor organizations. Additionally, the platform builds on existing technology and care infrastructure to deliver additional benefits to both consumers and participating providers. This expanded partnership unlocks the ability to extend care to as many as 20,000 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) throughout Illinois and Indiana.
Together, Strive and NANI will manage the financial risk and governance of risk contracts with Medicare and Medicare Advantage plan members with CKD and ESKD. As part of the expanded partnership, NANI is increasing its equity investment in Strive. The partners have also agreed to more than double the length of their alliance to 10 years.
Strive and NANI will also conduct outcomes-oriented clinical research on the effectiveness of interventions in reducing costs in value-based contracting models. The research will help further the nephrology industry’s understanding of which interventions can improve outcomes and drive down costs and offer more insight into how new contracting arrangements, such as Medicare’s Comprehensive Kidney Care Contracting (CKCC) model, can delay the progression of kidney disease. CKCC is a new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation payment model that is designed to reduce Medicare expenditures while preserving or enhancing the quality of care provided to beneficiaries with CKD and ESKD.
Strive offers a range of comprehensive resources to support NANI’s providers, including: a robust technology platform, administrative support, management expertise and an interdisciplinary clinical care team with care coordinators, nurse practitioners, dietitians, pharmacists, and licensed clinical social workers. These team members serve as an extension of the nephrologist’s office and help manage comorbidities, such as diabetes, that can impact a patient’s overall health.
Strive Health is the nation’s leader in value-based kidney care and partner of choice for innovative healthcare payors and providers. Strive’s core solutions include Population Health, Strive Care Partners™ (a value-based nephrology platform) and Complete Dialysis. Using a unique combination of high-touch care teams, predictive analytics, advanced technology, seamless integration with local providers and next-generation dialysis services, Strive forms an integrated care delivery system that supports the entire patient journey from chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Strive partners with commercial and Medicare Advantage payors, Medicare, health systems and physicians through flexible value-based payment arrangements, including risk-based programs.
NANI is the largest nephrology physician practice in the United States. Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, NANI is comprised of more than 170 physicians and nurse practitioners, specializing in comprehensive nephrology-related patient care. Since 1968, NANI has provided experience, innovation and reliability in kidney disease and blood pressure management. The group includes entities in Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey. NANI also operates Tower Physician Services, a management services organization, NANI Vascular and NANI Clinical Research.
Contact information: Nicole Leatherman, Communications & Content, Strive Health, 1600 Stout Street, Denver, Colorado 80202; 619-917-4807; Email: nleatherman@strivehealth.com; Website: https://www.strivehealth.com/
Contact information: Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois, 120 West 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523; 630-573-5000; Fax: 630-368-0320; Website: https://www.nephdocs.com/