PPRNet is a primary care practice-based learning and research organization designed to improve health care in its member practices while conducting research important for the entire primary health care system.   Established in 1995, PPRNet links practices across North America in its work which has led to revitalization of primary care practices, sustained federal research funding, numerous publications, and national recognition.  All PPRNet practices use Electronic Health Records (EHR); many long-time members were pioneers in EHR use.

PPRNet has 3 primary aims: 

• To turn EHR data into actionable information for quality improvement and reports for quality incentive programs.
• To empirically test theoretically sound primary care quality improvement interventions.
• To disseminate interventions that improve primary health care.

 PPRNet achieves these aims by:

• Providing practice and provider performance reports and patient registries on 62 evidence-based clinical quality measures.
• Meeting criteria as a CMS approved Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) and Specialized Registry under the HITECH EHR Incentive Program for Eligible Professionals.
• Conducting quality improvement research projects in which research team members work on-site with practices to help improve care.
• Hosting national meetings and webinars to share “best practices” for implementing PPRNet findings into practice.
• Publishing our findings in peer-reviewed, high quality journals and through widely accessible web-based tools.

Many practices have leveraged their participation in PPRNet to receive Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition, receive Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) and other value-based payment incentives, and satisfy continuing medical education and specialty maintenance of certification requirements.  PPRNet practices report rediscovering the joy of medicine, improved practice morale and staff retention, and deep gratification from working and learning with their colleagues across the U.S. and Canada.