Valley Preferred contracts with health insurance companies and includes more than 4,200 physicians and 18 hospitals.
Through the accountable care agreement, Aetna will introduce fully insured health plans using Valley Preferred’s network of physicians. The plans will be available April 1 to any employer with two or more employees.
Valley Preferred has a performance-based incentive program in place for its physicians, focusing on improving quality, efficiency and the patient experience, according to the news release.
“Valley Preferred’s ACO physicians, care coordination efforts and quality improvement programs, together with Aetna, will work to achieve measurable advancements in patient care and cost control for the employers and families of Lehigh and Northampton counties,” Jack Lenhart, MD, executive director of Valley Preferred, said in the release.
In July 2013, Valley Preferred and Cigna launched a collaborative accountable care initiative — the insurer’s version of accountable care organizations.
More Articles on Accountable Care Organizations:
Early ACOs, Medical Homes Show Outcomes, Cost Improvements: Study
Is Accountable Care Just a Remake of Failed HMOs?
5 Things to Know About the Early Medicare ACOs
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.