Beacon Health Partners, Empire BlueCross BlueShield sign Patient Centered Primary Care agreement

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.

“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”

"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 Program moves Beacon from a traditional volume-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."