Long Island-Based Beacon Health Partners Announces New Patient Centered Primary Care Contract with Empire BlueCross BlueShield
<0> Empire BlueCross BlueShieldSally Kweskin, (720) 373-4836@Empirebcbs on Twitter </0>
Beacon Health Partners, an independent physician network and Accountable Care Organization consisting of almost 300 healthcare practitioners, announced that it has signed a Patient Centered Primary Care agreement with Empire BlueCross BlueShield. The contract represents a shared commitment to find new ways to improve patient health and well-being by enhancing quality, efficiency and safety of medical care - at reduced costs.
“Today’s health care system is highly fragmented, is based on episodic intervention and shows inconsistent adherence to evidence-based guidelines, said John Caby, VP, Provider Engagement & Contracting, Empire BlueCross BlueShield. “Empire’s Patient Centered Primary Care Program will help ensure better alignment between payment and value, reduce fragmentation and place greater emphasis on wellness and prevention for patients.”
The Patient Centered Primary Care Programmoves Beacon from a traditionalvolume-based payment model to a value-based model in which the organization is financially rewarded for improving the health of their patients. In addition, it provides compensation for non-visit based clinical interventions, such as care planning, that have a positive impact on patient outcomes and cost.
“We are convinced that our relationship with New York’s leading insurance company will not only benefit the payor and all our member physicians, but will also pave the way for better, safer and more affordable care for our patients,” said Dr. Simon Prince, President and CEO of Beacon Health Partners, “So, on behalf of the entire Beacon organization, we are thrilled to expand our relationship with Empire BlueCross BlueShield towards our shared goals.”
Beacon is a collaboration of independent primary care physicians and specialists from across Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens. Since its inception, Beacon has evolved into one of the fastest growing physician groups in the tri-state area. Beacon's success is due to strong leadership, concrete business solutions and unwavering commitment to patients. After undergoing a highly-competitive selection process, Beacon Health Partners (BHP) was selected to participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program sponsored by The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Jointly, Beacon physicians are ready to reshape the way healthcare is being delivered. Through the implementation of clinical integration programs, the network and its members are intent on improving the efficiency, safety and quality in delivering medical care. For more information, visit us at .
Serving New Yorkers for over 75 years, Empire BlueCross BlueShield is the largest health insurer in New York supporting nearly six million members and more than 38,000 business, union and small employers in New York. Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire) is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Empire is available at . Also, follow us on Twitter at , on Facebook at , or visit our YouTube channel at .