Braintree, Mass.-based New England Quality Care Alliance is teaming up with Cigna on a new collaborative care initiative for more than 10,000 patients.
The program launched April 1 over a network that spans 1,800 physicians affiliated with Boston-based Tufts Medical Center. Functioning similar to an accountable care organization, the program aims to improve health, affordability and patient experience. Registered nurse care coordinators from Cigna work with physician-led care teams to help ensure patients receive appropriate follow-up and preventive care, and help manage chronic conditions, schedule appointments, provide health education and connect people with clinical support programs.
"We are pleased to be partnering with Cigna in their collaborative care program," Jeff Lasker, MD, NEQCA president and CEO, said in a statement. "Cigna Collaborative Care exemplifies the values of our network, and provides an opportunity for our physicians to continue to demonstrate their ability to successfully meet quality and financial targets. Year over year, we have brought value to patients and payers through targeted quality improvement and clinical programs. By sharing data and resources, and with the support of Cigna care coordinators, we believe this new partnership can enhance the care we deliver to all of our patients by identifying earlier stages of disease and individuals at risk to ensure better outcomes for our patients."
Physicians will be compensated for medical care and coordination services they provide, and they will have the opportunity to earn rewards for meeting quality and cost targets.
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