Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has signed accountable care organization contracts with three physician groups in Iowa this month, according to a Des Moines Register report.
The Iowa Clinic in West Des Moines, the McFarland Clinic in Ames and Family Health Care of Siouxland, with locations around Sioux City, all signed ACO contracts with Wellmark this year. Wellmark covers lives in Iowa and South Dakota.
Through the contracts, the physician groups are responsible for managing a population of patients, and Wellmark will provide financial rewards to the providers if they meet quality and cost goals.
"This accountable care model is designed to increase collaboration and coordination to help our members stay healthier, avoid unnecessary or duplicative tests and treatments and ultimately reduce the increasing cost of healthcare," John Forsyth, chairman and CEO of Wellmark, said in a news release.
More Articles on Accountable Care Organizations:
7 Latest Findings About ACOs
4 Accountable Care Models for Rural Providers
It's Not Easy to Engage Patients — Even for ACOs