SAN DIEGO – Anthem Blue Cross and two medical groups from Sharp HealthCare will launch a pilot accountable care organization focused on serving Anthem’s San Diego-based group, small group and individual plan PPO members.
"Individuals who receive coordinated, patient-centered care through an informed collaborative partnership with their physicians can more effectively manage their healthcare needs," said Pam Kehaly, president of Anthem Blue Cross. "This integrated team collectively takes responsibility for the ongoing care of patients, thus helping them live healthier lives and reducing the cost of care."
While most PPO plans allow members to choose from a broad group of physicians and practices in different provider networks, an ACO seeks to coordinate care within a specific network, with the intent of improving preventive and chronic care management. The ACO pilot will involve select Anthem PPO members who live in the San Diego area and receive care from the Sharp Community Medical Group or Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers.
[See also: CIGNA, Piedmont Physicians launch ACO pilot program; NEJM article spotlights financial risks associated with ACOs]
“Under this exciting new ACO program, PPO patients will now have the opportunity to have their personal doctor help them navigate the often-confusing array of healthcare options and better coordinate their care," said John Jenrette, MD, CEO and medical director of the Sharp Community Medical Group.
Both Sharp HealthCare groups have extensive coverage in the in the San Diego area. Sharp Community Medical Group is an association of more than 700 primary and specialty care doctors and includes independent physicians in the Graybill Medical Group in North San Diego County. Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers is a multispecialty group with 19 locations and 400 primary and specialty care doctors.
