Clarian Health becomes IU Health

Clarian Health, a private, nonprofit organization  that owns and is affiliated with more than 20 hospitals and health centers in Indiana, is changing its name in 2011 to Indiana University Health.

One of the reasons the name change is taking place is to better show its close partnership with the IU School of Medicine. More than half of the IU School of Medicine’s 970 physicians work in some capacity, from researching to training, at one of Clarian’s hospitals.

“The partnership between Clarian Health and the IU School of Medicine has increased in breadth and depth over the years,” said D. Craig Brater, dean of the IU School of Medicine and former practicing physician for Clarian Health.

IU President Michael McRobbie and Brater are among the board of directors for Clarian Health.

The name Indiana University Health also compliments the organization’s commitment to education. Clarian Health has been welcoming to educational programs and supportive of research conducted by the IU School of Medicine, Brater said.

In 1997, Indiana University Hospital, Methodist Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children joined forces and created Clarian Health.

Clarian Health is a statewide health system, and the name Indiana University Health better reflects that message, said Indiana Area United Methodist Church Bishop Michael J. Coyner, a member of the board of directors for Clarian Health.

“The name Clarian doesn’t mean much to people,” Coyner said. “It doesn’t seem to make sense.”

With Indiana University in its title, the organization will receive more recognition, Brater said.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Brater said.  

The name change, however, is not just for brand recognition, Coyner said. Patients’ records will be accessible to all Indiana University Health hospitals.

Brater said Clarian Health conducted surveys about patients’ needs. According to the surveys, Indiana University Health made patients feel more assured that they were receiving good care.

“The name change will help provide better service to patients,” Coyner said.

– Alyssa Goldman