On Tuesday, July 17, 2012, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Wilmington Health announced that they will establish a physician-led Accountable Care Organization (ACO) to improve care for patients located in southeastern North Carolina. This initiative is one of the first collaborations in the region between an insurer and medical practice. To read the announcement, click here.
Affiliated physicians and health care professionals will work together to provide quality-driven care to their patients. At this time, the partnership strives to improve preventative health and wellness; chronic disease management; care coordination and outreach; and efficiencies; reduce hospital admissions, and health care costs while increasing positive health outcomes. BCBSNC and Wilmington Health also plan to develop a new oncology program to ensure that all oncology patients benefit from treatments stemming from the latest evidence-based research. This addition will join the other 30 specialties that Wilmington Health provides.
As we’ve seen over the past couple of months, moving toward accountable care continues to progress. Physicians are encouraged to fully understand and become involved in these efforts. To assist physicians and their practices in the transition to accountable care, NCMS will be introducing its Toward Accountable Care Consortium and Initiative next week. The consortium is a collaboration between North Carolina medical societies and other health care organizations who are committed to informing and educating the medical community about accountable care. Look for upcoming Bulletin publications and visit the Toward Accountable Care portion of the NCMS website to learn more.
Related Bulletin articles:
Cornerstone Health and Triad Healthcare Join CMS’ Accountable Care Initiative (7-13-12)
Accountable Care Resources for You (5-22-12)
Accountable Care Gaining Momentum in North Carolina (4-13-12)
