SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cigna (NYSE:CI) and Hill Physicians Medical Group have entered into a collaborative care program to improve patient health by focusing on improved access to high quality health care and care coordination services while lowering costs. The program becomes effective July 1 and will benefit more than 12,000 individuals covered by a Cigna health plan who receive care from more than 1,300 Hill Physicians Medical Group physicians who participate in the collaborative partnership.
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.
“We are pleased to be able to partner with Cigna in this worthy endeavor. Our experience demonstrates that when physicians and health plans work together, we can improve coordination of care and clinical outcomes for patients,” noted David Joyner, CEO of Hill Physicians Medical Group.
“Our population heath approach, anchored by a value-based reimbursement model that rewards doctors for achieving better results, will help transform health care delivery,” said Ken Phenow, M.D., M.P.H., Cigna's senior medical director for Northern California. “We have four similar arrangements in the Bay Area and this new relationship with Hill Physicians Medical Group is the latest example of Cigna’s commitment to improving quality of care for Northern California residents.”
Critical to the program’s benefits are registered nurse clinical care coordinators, employed by Hill Physicians Medical Group, 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 Hill Physicians Medical Group 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 156 Cigna Collaborative Care arrangements with large physician groups. They span 29 states, reach more than 1.7 million commercial customers and encompass nearly 70,000 doctors, including more than 34,000 primary care physicians and nearly 36,000 specialists.
About Hill Physicians Medical Group
Hill Physicians Medical Group Hill Physicians Medical Group is the largest independent physician association in Northern California and is a nationally known leader in innovative healthcare. The Integrated Healthcare Association and California Association of Physician Groups have recognized Hill Physicians as one of the top-performing medical groups in the state. Committed to serving healthy lifestyles, Hill Physicians offers extensive health education services to its patients, including wellness classes, health screenings and self-help through its online information portal at www.hillphysicians.com.
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.
