ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cigna (NYSE:CI) and Integrated Independent Physicians Network, LLC (IP Network) have entered into a collaborative care program to improve access to health care, enhance care coordination and lower costs. The program became effective April 1 and will reach nearly 7,000 customers.
The program is part of Cigna Collaborative Care, a value-based model that aims to improve patient access to health care, enhance care coordination, and achieve the same population health goals as accountable care organizations (ACOs): improved health, affordability and patient experience.
In places where it’s been introduced, Cigna Collaborative Care is helping to improve the health of Cigna customers while effectively managing medical costs. For example, the programs are helping to:
- Close gaps in care, such as missed health screenings or prescription refills;
- Reinforce the appropriate use of hospital emergency rooms;
- Increase the number of preventive health visits;
- Improve follow-up care for people transitioning from the hospital to home.
“This program gives us valuable data and insights that can help integrate our approach to patient care,” said Dr. George White, president of the IP Network. ”When physicians and health insurers are on the same team, real health improvement occurs.”
"Through these types of collaborations we have the opportunity to help transform the health care delivery system and offer improved quality and affordability to our customers," said Michael Howell, M.D., Cigna's senior medical director for Florida. "Transitioning to a value-based reimbursement model rewards doctors for results and focuses on prevention, wellness, health improvement and care coordination.”
Critical to the program’s benefits are registered nurse clinical care coordinators, employed by the IP Network, who will help patients with chronic conditions or other health challenges navigate the health care system.
The care coordinators are aligned with a team of Cigna case managers to ensure a high degree of collaboration between the physician group and Cigna, which will ultimately provide a better experience for the individual. The care coordinators are part of physician-led care teams that will help people get the follow-up care or screenings they need, identify potential complications related to medications and help prevent chronic conditions from worsening.
They can also help individuals schedule appointments, provide health education and refer people to Cigna's clinical support programs that are available through their employer’s health plan.
Cigna will compensate the IP Network for the medical and care coordination services it provides. Additionally, the group may be rewarded through a “pay for value” structure if it meets targets for improving quality and lowering medical costs.
Cigna has been at the forefront of the accountable care organization movement since 2008 and now has 150 Cigna Collaborative Care arrangements with large physician groups. They span 29 states, reach 1.7 million commercial customers and encompass more than 69,000 doctors, including nearly 34,000 primary care physicians and nearly 36,000 specialists.
About Integrated Independent Physicians Network, LLC
Integrated Independent Physicians Network, LLC (IP Network) is an Orlando based Independent Physician Association (IPA) representing approximately 1300+ multi-specialty physicians in seven counties throughout Central Florida. The IP Network has developed “a complete health care delivery system around our independent physicians and ancillary providers”. The network also includes Clinical Alliance Network, a statewide single specialty pediatric independent physicians’ network throughout Florida. (www.pedscan.com)
Through the development of integrated systems and integrated clinical strategies, the IP Network has become a Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) to assist our physicians in competing in today's health care environment with value-based contracting.
The IP Network is a high-quality, cost-conscious, physician driven, outpatient-biased, provider network of independent physicians. The IP Network also consists of ER Clinix, a high acuity urgent care network, rehab facilities, diagnostic facilities, outpatient surgery, outpatient labs, cardiac cath labs, home health, employee clinics, hyperbaric oxygen, clinical research, and its own Health Information Exchange (HIE) called IPNConnect.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 90 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
