Regence and MultiCare Health to Collaborate on New Networks and Health Insurance Products [Health & Beauty Close – Up]

Regence BlueShield in Washington and MultiCare Health System announced they have taken a step in advancing the Triple Aim goals of improving the health of patients and their care experience, and lowering costs, through a new payment model.

In a release, the companies said that additionally, the two organizations are collaborating on new networks and health insurance products to further enhance care and bend the medical cost curve for people in the south Puget Sound region.

According to the companies, the initiative will include a shared incentive reimbursement arrangement for services at MultiCare hospitals and clinics which will be aligned with increased focus on quality and patient care goals that are mutually agreed to by Regence and MultiCare.

"MultiCare Health System shares Regence's long history in the local community, and commitment to improving the experience of health care," said Mary Kay O'Neill, M.D., M.B.A, executive medical director for Regence BlueShield in Washington. "Working together, Regence and MultiCare can transform the healthcare system through innovative collaborative care programs such as this new model, and future initiatives as we continue our joint efforts."

MultiCare Health System is a not-for-profit health system in the South Sound region, with five hospitals, dozens of primary care, urgent care and specialty clinics, and a network of physicians and other providers. MultiCare was one of the first health systems in Washington State to adopt the electronic health record system to improve the quality and safety of patient care. Regence and MultiCare have been working together to enhance and tailor a collaborative care model to meet the specific needs of Regence members and customers in the South Sound.

"We are excited to partner with Regence to develop innovative care models that will enhance the quality of care for our patients," said Claire Spain-Remy, MD, Senior Vice President for MultiCare Medical Associates, the physician/provider network for MultiCare. "Our providers are committed to improving access to care, quality outcomes and efficiency. Our deep expertise with using the electronic health record to better coordinate care will be invaluable in this collaboration."

The agreement with MultiCare Health System is the latest development in Regence's Accountable Health strategy within the Regence family of companies in Washington, Oregon, Utah and Idaho to help foster collaborative physician-patient relationships that improve quality of care.

Regence is currently developing additional collaborative arrangements with doctors and hospitals throughout the Northwest region. Announcements are anticipated in the coming weeks.

More information:

www.regence.com

www.multicare.org

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