Since its inception in 1996 NWOS practices have become cooperatively involved in a number of operational and financial projects designed to promote integration by reducing total practice costs and enhancing practice efficiency and quality of services.  

Professional Liability Purchasing and Joint Risk Management
NWOS practices purchase their professional liability insurance through a common purchasing process managed by the NWOS administrative office and an insurance broker.  All members of the A and B Divisions of NWOS are required to participate.  NWOS achieves a group discount rating which fluctuates from year to year according to the perceived risk of the group based on previous losses and pending claims.  Practices share in the success or failure of their members’ ability to appropriately manage patient care and minimize risk exposure.


Employee Resource Collaborative (ERC)
In June 2005 NWOS introduced a comprehensive human resources solution for its practices.  Participation is on a voluntary basis.  NWOS proudly employs over 200 employees based at approximately 11 of its member practices.  The joint acquisition of health benefits for members of ERC has generated significant savings which are enjoyed by practices and employees alike.  NWOS also provides a full range of human resource regulatory and compliance activities which facilitate compliance with federal and state laws.

Consulting (Internal and External)
As part of its service offerings NWOS offers practice consulting in a multitude of management areas. NWOS contracts with regional health systems to offer specialty physician input on a variety of projects including clinical co-management initiatives, quality improvement and clinical systems development and shared electronic medical records.

Patient Satisfaction
NWOS periodically works with members on patient satisfaction assessments.   Through analyzing this data effective tools are made available for the continual improvement of practice operations and patient care.