Aetna Launches Value-Based Primary Care Model With New Partnership

Aetna will be partnering with Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare and Northside Hospital System to provide a fully insured and self-insured health care options for employers.

The options will be given to its health maintenance organization and exclusive product organization product portfolios through Aetna Whole Health Atlanta, according to Aetna’s press release.

“Our Whole Health offering is the first of its kind in Atlanta, developed to support a unique [primary care provider] delivery model, providing quality medical care by way of doctor-driven plans,” said Frank Ulibarri, Aetna’s president in Georgia. “Over the past two years, we worked diligently to improve both the experience and cost structure for our members in the market. The result is a product that truly acts as a bridge, allowing more coordinated and accessible health care options, designed to lead to better outcomes.”

The primary care centered model will provide coverage and access to 900 primary care docs, 3,500 specialists, 14 hospitals and 500 outpatient centers across the region through the partnership. Aetna Whole Health was created to:

• Reward doctors for improving patient care quality;
• Lower medical cost growth over time by reducing waste, improving care coordination and closing care gaps;
• Enhance each patient’s experience with care management programs; and
• Support effective patient and primary care doctor relationships

Members will also receive existing benefits offered through Aetna’s parent company, CVS Health, such as the CVS HealthHUBs that offer an expanded range of services, including primary care and wellness products. There are currently

16 HealthHUBs in operation with an anticipated15 to 20 additional locations planned for 2020.

“This new infrastructure allows doctors and their care teams to do what they’ve been trained to do focus on providing quality medical care,” said Eric Anderson, regional vice president, Aetna. “We are excited about the positive impact this innovative product may bring to employers, employees and their families in greater Atlanta.” —Edan Stanley