Greater Newport Physicians Rebrands as MemorialCare Independent Physicians, Underscoring Commitment to Value-Based Health Care

Greater Newport Physicians MemorialCare has officially rebranded to MemorialCare Independent Physicians, reflecting the growth of its physician network and renewed vision for the future. As the network expands beyond Newport Beach to serve the Orange and Los Angeles County communities. The new name represents the Independent Practice Association's (IPA) broader presence and strong ties to the trusted MemorialCare health system. This rebranding also aligns with the national shift toward value-based care, reinforcing the organization's commitment to delivering comprehensive, efficient, and patient-focused services across California.

"We are at a pivotal moment in American health care," said Betha Schnelle, vice president, IPA strategy and operations, MemorialCare. "This is more than just a name change or a rebrand. MemorialCare Independent Physicians is demonstrating that it is possible to provide high-quality, cost-effective care while preserving what patients value most-strong, personal relationships with their doctors. Value-based care allows us to support our physicians in keeping people healthy, not just treating illness."

Founded in 1985 by 50 private-practice physicians in Newport Beach, the independent practice association (IPA) was built on a foundational principle: medical decisions should be driven by doctors and patients, not corporate interests. That philosophy endures today as MemorialCare Independent Physicians has grown into a network of nearly 1,000 primary care and specialty providers serving communities across Orange County and parts of Los Angeles County.

This philosophy echoes a critical insight from the National Institute of Health's framework: value in health care is defined as measured improvements in a patient's health outcomes relative to the cost of achieving those outcomes. MemorialCare Independent Physicians embodies this approach-physicians receive monthly population-health agreements, not per-visit payments, promoting early intervention, preventive care, and comprehensive management of chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and obesity.

Studies show that value-based care models can reduce hospital readmissions by up to 20% and improve chronic disease management outcomes by 30-40%. Value-based care has been linked to a 25% reduction in emergency department visits due to better preventive care and early intervention.

Care is delivered through MemorialCare's integrated network, which includes its hospitals, imaging, urgent care, surgical, and radiation centers. This comprehensive system ensures patients receive the full spectrum of care close to home, with physicians collaborating across specialties within the network to manage each patient's entire care journey.

This approach marks a shift away from the outdated fee-for-service model, which reimbursed physicians based on visits or procedures. Instead, MemorialCare Independent Physicians empower doctors to focus on value over volume, prioritizing preventive care and long-term wellness. With the support of a nonprofit framework, this model is accountable to patients, not shareholders.

"Many MemorialCare Independent Physicians are small business owners, practicing in converted homes, shared clinical spaces, or neighborhood offices," said Schnelle. "Their deep-rooted presence in the communities they serve is a core part of our strength. By being embedded in these communities, our physicians can deliver care that is personal and meaningful, supported by a robust health system infrastructure that ensures seamless coordination, advanced technology, and easy access to the care patients need."

Today, more than 47,000 patients receive award-winning care - a number that continues to grow as demand increases for care delivered at the right place, at the right time.