For years, network development has been treated as a compliance checkbox, but in today’s market, the leading health plans will be those who treat their networks as a competitive advantage.
Further, access isn’t just about adequacy anymore. It’s about building networks that meet members where they are, and where they’re going. That same perspective came through clearly at RISE West last month during the patient panel, where real experiences underscored that building strong networks isn’t just about access. If we want to truly improve outcomes, we need to listen to patients and design with them at the center.
“Hearing from real people and their experiences with the healthcare system highlighted a few key themes: the need to simplify, expand mental health support, address social drivers of health, and eliminate barriers like prior authorization. If we want to truly improve outcomes, we need to listen to patients and design with them at the center.”
This theme applies to so many areas of healthcare, including network development. Member-centric health plans are reimagining what a network can and should be and are innovating in strategic ways:
- Tailoring networks to reflect the needs of diverse populations, from rural members to those seeking culturally competent care
- Supporting providers needs to be a priority because we know provider satisfaction directly impacts member experience
- Aligning networks with value-based care means ensuring access to providers who are invested in outcomes
This shift represents more than a change in process, it’s a change in philosophy. Networks are no longer static assets, but living ecosystems that need to be designed with precision, monitored with rigor, and optimized continuously.
At Andros, we believe the future of network development is defined by strategy, not compliance (although compliance remains a top priority!). That’s why we’re helping health plans think beyond adequacy, building networks that are resilient, inclusive, and designed to deliver impact.
With tools like the NLP Score Report, health plans get a fast, clear read on where their network is strong, vulnerable, and where to focus next—like an MRI for your provider network.
The plans that win in the coming years will be those that recognize the network as the centerpiece of member experience. Not just a box to be checked, but the engine that drives growth, satisfaction, and better health outcomes.
Your provider network is an engine of growth, satisfaction, and better outcomes. At Andros, we help health plans design networks that adapt, innovate, and put members first. Connect with Andros today to get started.
