WellSpan Health in York, Pa., has partnered with Aetna for an accountable care organization, the insurer's first ACO in Pennsylvania.
Aetna plans to introduce fully insured and self-insured health plans using WellSpan and the system's physician network, according to the news release. A fully insured plan will be available April 1, 2014.
WellSpan will take on risk for quality and cost outcomes of Aetna's members who see the system's physicians. The agreement is based on quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction metrics, including:
• Percentage of Aetna members who receive recommended preventive care and screenings
• Improved chronic disease management
• Reduced readmissions
• Reduced avoidable emergency room visits
"We are changing the relationship between health systems and insurers and creating a model that will improve healthcare quality, efficiency and affordability," Patrick Young, president of Aetna's Pennsylvania and Delaware operations, said in the release.
"Innovative relationships such as this hold much potential to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare in our region," Kevin Mosser, MD, president and CEO of WellSpan, said in the release.
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