Published by:

Office of Health Information Technology
Division of Health Information Technology State and Community Assistance
Health Resources and Services Administration
US Department of Health and Human Services

Overview

Purpose
The Health Center Controlled Network (HCCN) Initiatives support the creation, development, and operation of networks of safety net providers to ensure access to health care for the medically underserved populations through the enhancement of health center operations.

Mission
Networks funded through the HCCN program will contribute to increased access, greater coordination and continuity of care, improved quality, increased information analysis, enhanced medical decision-making, reduced costs, greater efficiency, enhanced recruitment of providers, and increased influence in the marketplace. Networks are expected to continue to focus on the mission of providing care to the underserved with ongoing clinician, community and consumer involvement.

Activities
Networks receiving HCCN funds are given great flexibility in determining their activities. Each network is unique, depending on its state environment, marketplace, collaborators, needs, and interests. In different marketplaces, issues such as demand and levels of managed care, composition of collaborators, and/or unique health care delivery characteristics will impact the functions and composition of the network. Networks should assess their respective environment and the infrastructure of their constituent members to determine the most appropriate mix of functional activities. Through these activities, networks aim to achieve the goals of (i) increased access, (ii) enhanced efficiency, and/or (iii) higher level of performance and value. Network activities are focused around the core areas of administrative, clinical, managed care, financial, and information systems.