N.Y. groups kickstart ACO initiative
WestMed Medical Group is collaborating with UnitedHealthcare and Optum businesses to launch an accountable care organization (ACO) for its more than 220 physicians in Westchester County, N.Y.
Collaborating with UnitedHealthcare will enable WestMed physicians to be eligible for incentives based on measurements in disease management and prevention, patient safety and appropriate care utilization, the organizations stated. Participating physicians will be measured and rewarded based on quality health outcomes, patient satisfaction and reduction of medical costs in the Westchester market to below current, trend-adjusted levels.
WestMed physicians will use Optum’s analytical tools for overall patient wellness and disease management, and measure their own performance in these areas over time. Participating physicians will have access to tools and software applications that provide physicians and other health professionals access to health intelligence on patient, system and population health.
The ACO initially applies to UnitedHealthcare plan participants residing in Westchester County and covered under an Oxford Health Insurance fully insured commercial product, including its Metro, Access and Direct plans. An expanded agreement is being filed with the New York State Department of Health for approval.
Collaborating with UnitedHealthcare will enable WestMed physicians to be eligible for incentives based on measurements in disease management and prevention, patient safety and appropriate care utilization, the organizations stated. Participating physicians will be measured and rewarded based on quality health outcomes, patient satisfaction and reduction of medical costs in the Westchester market to below current, trend-adjusted levels.
WestMed physicians will use Optum’s analytical tools for overall patient wellness and disease management, and measure their own performance in these areas over time. Participating physicians will have access to tools and software applications that provide physicians and other health professionals access to health intelligence on patient, system and population health.
The ACO initially applies to UnitedHealthcare plan participants residing in Westchester County and covered under an Oxford Health Insurance fully insured commercial product, including its Metro, Access and Direct plans. An expanded agreement is being filed with the New York State Department of Health for approval.