Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, with the help of its clinically integrated network and UnitedHealthcare, has launched an accountable care organization, according to the Winston-Salem Journal.
The decision to launch an ACO comes on the heels of Wake Forest Baptist's announcement it signed a letter of intent to acquire High Point, N.C.-based Cornerstone Health Care, the physician practice that has worked with the medical center to build its clinically integrated network company, CHESS, according to the report.
The ACO will continue to allot additional resources to care coordination by making it easier to share health information and streamlining care. The goal is to help patients better manage their chronic conditions and improve health outcomes, according to the report.
"Wake Forest Baptist has long partnered with UnitedHealthcare, providing our expertise in healthcare innovation and patient-centered programs to improve the health of their plan participants and advance population health management," said Richard Lord, MD, professor and vice president of population health at Wake Forest Baptist, according to the report.
More articles on accountable care:
Meritain, Banner to roll out accountable care in Phoenix
UnitedHealthcare, Delaware Valley ACO partner up
Aetna, Virtua Health team up for ACO, health plan