Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has announced it has entered into value-based arrangements to promote patient-centered care with more than one-third of the primary care providers in
Under the arrangements, Anthem has contracted with more than 1,100 physicians from approximately 250 primary care practices to provide primary care services to more than 160,000 Anthem members. By the end of the year, Anthem's goal is to contract with close to 50 percent of
The aim of this new arrangement is to better align incentives in order to bring high-quality care to patients and to control costs by promoting population health management.
"We know that the physician-patient relationship is the most important one in promoting health and wellness, which is why primary care is critical," said Mike Ramseier, president of Anthem BCBS in
The value-based contracts include monthly payments for care coordination and an annual shared savings payment. To receive a shared savings payment, practices must meet quality performance goals, and those primary care physicians who maintain or improve quality may earn up to 35 percent of any cost savings that have been obtained over the last year.
Over time, Anthem estimates the program will substantially improve quality and member health, as well as improve overall medical costs as primary care practices transform themselves in order to better manage the health of their patient populations.
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