Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare and Walmart are teaming up on an ACO for Walmart employees based in the metro Atlanta area, as well as a bundled payment program for spine surgeries and joint replacement surgeries.
"When Walmart approached Emory about these opportunities, we were excited to partner with Walmart, a progressive company dedicated to transforming healthcare and its delivery process," Patrick Hammond, CEO of Emory Healthcare Network, said in a press release. "More and more large, self-insured employers like Walmart are looking for new and creative solutions as a potential way to decrease costs of healthcare plans for employees, while improving the overall quality of the care. This partnership is a win-win for everyone involved."
Employees at 55 Walmart, Sam's Club and Walmart Distribution Center locations will have the option to select the Emory Accountable Care Plan and become part of the ACO. They will have access to free preventive care visits and pay standard copays for primary care, specialist and urgent care. Joining the ACO also provides access to Walmart's bundled payment program.
Under the bundled payment program, which Walmart calls its Centers of Excellence program, designated centers receive fixed payments for care related to spine surgery and joint replacement. Walmart designated Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital and Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center as Centers of Excellence, meaning Walmart employees who have a Walmart-sponsored health plan do not pay anything out of pocket for spine and joint replacement surgeries at those locations. Walmart is also footing the bill for any travel-related costs to Emory locations.
ACO beneficiaries are also granted access to specific weight loss and cardiac surgeries as part of the Centers of Excellence program.
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