What Are CINs and How Can They Help Your Pediatric Practice?

Hannah Cohen
May 6
3 min read

Running an independent pediatric practice today comes with its share of challenges, especially the constant balancing act between providing great care to your patients and managing the endless administrative tasks that come with running a business. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a way to stay independent and feel part of something bigger, Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs) might be worth a look.

So, What’s a CIN?

A CIN is basically a group of providers who team up (formally) to coordinate care, share data, and improve outcomes, while still running their own practices. Think of it as a professional neighborhood where you work with other clinicians to hit shared goals, especially around quality and cost-efficiency. For pediatricians, CINs can offer tailored support around things like immunization tracking, behavioral health access, and developmental screening.

Here’s how CINs can be a boost for pediatric practices:

Better Leverage with Insurers: As a group, you may be able to negotiate stronger value-based care contracts that include pediatric-focused metrics such as well visits, immunization rates, developmental screening, and more.
Shared Data (That’s Actually Useful): Many CINs invest in tech that lets you track how your practice is doing, compare with peers, and find opportunities to close care gaps.
Extra Hands on Deck: Some CINs provide care coordinators, social workers, or behavioral health navigation, which is especially helpful for patients with complex needs.
Stay Independent, But Not Alone: CINs can feel like a good middle ground. You're still running your practice, but you’ve got a team around you for collaboration and shared improvement efforts.

Things to Ask Before Jumping In:

Like anything else in healthcare, not all Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs) are created equal. Before signing on, it’s worth asking a few pointed questions to make sure the CIN you’re considering truly aligns with the needs of pediatric practices.

Will pediatric practices have a real voice in how things are run? Some CINs are dominated by large health systems or adult-focused providers, which can leave pediatricians with little influence. Make sure there’s meaningful representation from pediatric leaders when decisions are being made, especially on clinical protocols, population health initiatives, and technology choices.
Is the tech built with pediatrics in mind? Tools designed for adult medicine often fall short in a pediatric setting. Ask whether the CIN’s tech stack supports things like vaccine scheduling, growth charts, developmental milestones, and behavioral health screenings. These features are essential for pediatric care.
How are shared savings distributed, and are pediatric metrics truly part of the equation? Value-based care is only meaningful if the metrics reflect your reality. Are pediatric-specific quality measures (like immunization rates, well-child visits, and developmental screenings) weighted appropriately in the shared savings formula? If not, you may find yourself doing the work without seeing the reward.
Do the goals of the CIN actually match what matters to your practice and your patients? Some networks prioritize cost-cutting above all else. Others may emphasize population health, community outreach, or care coordination. Take time to understand whether the CIN’s mission reflects your own values and whether it supports the kind of care you strive to deliver to your patients.

A Thought to Wrap It Up: Joining a CIN isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a way to collaborate, improve care, and navigate today’s healthcare landscape without giving up what makes your practice special, it might be a great option to explore. Start with a conversation and see where it leads.