Henry Ford Health has launched a new population health company, Populance, aimed at managing the care of high-risk patients and reducing healthcare costs through a comprehensive suite of services. Launched in Troy, Michigan, Populance builds on over two decades of value-based care programs developed by Henry Ford Health and its insurance arm, Health Alliance Plan. With 150 employees and a reach of 600,000 patients, Populance integrates data from healthcare providers, insurance plans, and patients themselves to address chronic conditions, mental health issues, and other social determinants of health.
The company’s leadership includes Christopher Stanley, M.D., formerly of Sutter Health, who now serves as Populance’s president. Populance’s services include patient monitoring, digital outreach, and case management tools that allow healthcare professionals to track chronic diseases and connect patients with necessary resources such as housing, transportation, and access to nutritious food. The goal is not only to provide personalized, holistic care but also to proactively manage high-risk patients and those frequently utilizing emergency services.
In addition to patient management, Populance aims to assist other healthcare providers and insurers by delivering specialty care management and ensuring smooth transitions between different care settings. The organization also emphasizes “utilization effectiveness,” directing patients toward the most beneficial and cost-effective treatments while reducing unnecessary hospitalizations.
Populance’s website points to the high financial burdens associated with chronic and mental health conditions. The new subsidiary intends to improve patient outcomes through dedicated case management while focusing on effective resource utilization. By providing these services at scale, Henry Ford Health believes Populance will attract healthcare organizations nationwide that are shifting towards value-based care models.
Robin Damschroder, president of Henry Ford’s value-based enterprise, expressed optimism about Populance’s potential, stating, “We want to make these services available to other physicians, health systems, and health plans to create healthier, more equitable outcomes in all the communities we serve.” Populance’s integrated approach to managing medical and social factors is seen as critical to improving healthcare delivery and reducing preventable hospital visits.
Populance marks an important step in Henry Ford Health’s ongoing efforts to innovate within the population health sector. By leveraging the system’s extensive experience and analytics capabilities, the new subsidiary seeks to enhance care for vulnerable populations while offering cost-effective solutions to healthcare providers and insurers alike. The organization’s focus on high-risk patients, proactive care, and resource optimization underscores the growing importance of population health management in today’s healthcare landscape. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, Populance’s approach may serve as a model for improving patient outcomes and reducing overall costs.
