The Orlando-based Integrated Independent Physicians Network entered into a collaborative care program with Cigna designed to improve care and lower cost.
Here are five key notes on the partnership:
1. The program is part of Cigna Collaborative care, a value-based model designed to improve access to care and coordination. The program is expected to reach nearly 7,000 customers and was effective April 1. Cigna has 150 Cigna Collaborative Care arrangements with large physician groups in 29 states reaching 1.7 million commercial customers and 69,000 physicians.
2. Cigna Collaborative Care is designed to achieve population health goals, much like accountable care organizations. Those goals include improved health, affordability and patient experience.
3. The program will close the gaps in care, such as missed health screenings or prescription refills and reinforce appropriate hospital emergency room use. The program is also designed to increase preventative health visits and patient follow-up for those transitioning from hospital to home.
4. The IP network employs registered nurse clinical care coordinators to help patients with chronic conditions or other health challenges navigate the system. The coordinators align with Cigna case managers to enhance the collaboration.
5. Coordinators are part of a physician-led team to ensure the patients have appropriate follow-up and screening as well as identify complications related to medication and prevent chronic conditions from worsening.
6. Cigna plans to compensate the IP Network for medical care and coordination, and the group could be rewarded through a “pay for value” structure to improve quality and lower costs.
“Through these types of collaborations we have the opportunity to help transform the healthcare delivery system and offer improved quality and affordability to our customers,” said Michael Howell, MD, Cigna’s senior medical director for Florida. “Transitioning to a value-based reimbursement model rewards doctors for results and focuses on prevention, wellness, health improvement and care coordination.”