Novant Health and Cigna Start Accountable Care Program to Improve Health and Lower Costs

• Consumers benefit from improved care coordination and greater emphasis on preventive care
• Primary care doctors are supported to improve patient health and lower medical costs
• Program includes registered nurse care coordinators aligned with Cigna case managers

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. & BLOOMFIELD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Cigna (NYS: CI) and Novant Health, an integrated system of hospitals and physician practices, have launched a collaborative accountable care initiative to improve patient access to health care, enhance care coordination, and achieve the “triple aim” of improved health, affordability and patient experience. The program is effective April 1.

Collaborative accountable care (CAC) is Cigna’s approach to accomplishing the same population health goals as accountable care organizations, or ACOs. The program will benefit more than 60,000 individuals covered by a Cigna health plan who receive care from a Novant Health physician in communities throughout the Carolinas, making it Cigna’s largest CAC nationally. The program with Novant Health is Cigna’s fourth such collaboration in the Carolinas.

“At Novant Health, what’s most important is improving the health of our communities, one person at a time,” said Carl Armato, chief executive officer of Novant Health. “We are committed to quality care that delivers superior results for our patients. We are dedicated to making their health care experience remarkable so that patients may focus on what really matters: getting better and staying healthy.

“Coupled with the high number of Novant Medical Group practices that are certified as patient-centered medical homes by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the Cigna CAC is a complementary pairing to keep our focus on patient care and coordination,” stated Armato.

“We’re aiming to fundamentally change the health care delivery system by rewarding physicians for results,” said Edward Hunsinger, M.D., Cigna’s senior medical director for the Carolinas. “A patient-centered system that’s focused on prevention and wellness, combined with the right incentives for physicians, will ultimately result in a healthier population and lower medical costs. That’s good for individuals, families, employers and doctors.”

Under the program, Novant Health monitors and coordinates all aspects of an individual’s medical care. Patients continue to go to their current physician and automatically receive the benefits of the …read more
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