Minneapolis-based Medica and Grand Forks, N.D.-based Altru Health System plan to roll out an accountable care organization called Altru & You with Medica. The ACO will be available later this year in northwestern Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota.
Altru & You with Medica will span 30 communities and include a network of more than 560 physicians. Providers in the network will also have access to Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic experts and resources, as Altru is a member of Mayo Clinic Care Network.
"As the healthcare landscape changes, we must change to best adapt to patients' needs. Our relationship with Medica furthers creativity around clinical and service models, financial approaches, health and wellness services and patient engagement," Dwight Thompson, Altru's treasurer and CFO, said in a press release. "While keeping patients at the center, our goal is to create better outcomes, a better patient experience and lower the overall cost of providing care."
Through the ACO, the entities will work to improve quality, manage costs and enhance the patient experience. Members will have direct access to specialists without a referral, as well as access to discounted health coaching sessions, weight management programs, specialized orthopedics programs, telehealth options and engagement across email, mail and telephone.
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