HERITAGE MEDICAL NETWORK, INC.
an
INDEPENDENT PHYSICIANS ASSOCIATION

Philosophy
In an era of dynamic change occurring in the delivery of health care services the philosophy of the Heritage Medical Network, Inc., (HMN) is that physicians have a unique opportunity to guide the development of innovative and responsive patient care systems. The physician should lead the creation of partnerships which will best serve the needs of patients with quality care and efficient management. By joining forces through strategic alliances physicians can better position themselves to provide strong leadership in a managed care environment.

History and Development
The Heritage Medical Network Inc. began operations October 1, 1994 with fifteen (15) primary care physicians in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. In May of 1995 a merger between the Heritage Medical Network and the Middle Tennessee Medical Associates resulted in a composition of twenty-seven (27) primary care doctors and has contractual relationships with a compliment of specialists. In June 2001, the physicians of Baptist Healthcare Group joined Heritage Medical Network growing the total number of physicians to 226. Today the IPA serves approximately 6,000 patients through various plans and is participating in the only Medicare HMO offering in Middle Tennessee.

Clinical Quality Initiatives
When physicians join together with the intent to improve patient care, interestingly, a natural by product is that the process results in more cost effectiveness. By focusing on the reasons to use certain tests or procedures, the emphasis is on the patient. By analyzing previous treatment patterns through data, other efficiencies are realized as well. To the extent that physicians associate to create new processes and systems, then the new form can be sculpted and molded by dynamic leaders of their community.