Aetna expands ACO model in Virginia
Aetna is collaborating with Riverside Health System on an accountable care organization (ACO). The agreement is Aetna’s third accountable care solutions contract in Virginia, providing most of Aetna’s 500,000 Virginia members access to an accountable care model.
The agreement also establishes Aetna Whole Health, a local option for health insurance purchasers. Aetna Whole Health plans will give members access to highly coordinated care from physicians and healthcare facilities.
Aetna will introduce a provider network known as Coastal Virginia Health Partners, which includes Riverside Health System, Bon Secours Health System, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.
“Working with health systems like Riverside, we’re redefining the relationship between insurers and providers," said Tom Grote, president of Aetna’s Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. operations. "The end result will be better, more efficient and more affordable care.”
Previously, Aetna announced a joint venture with Inova in 2012 and, in 2011, Aetna and Carilion Clinic signed an agreement that brought an ACO approach to consumers in the Roanoke area.
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.