Integration & Physician Issues

Seven health systems — totaling 28 hospitals from Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois — have formed Quality Health Solutions, a virtual network to launch accountable care strategies.

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Advocate Health Care says data from its accountable care organization with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois suggests the model can reduce physician and hospital visits and high-cost services, according to a Kaiser Health News report.

Hanover (Pa.) Orthopaedic Associates is joining York, Pa.-based WellSpan Medical Group, the physician organization of two-hospital WellSpan Health.

Minneapolis-based insurer Medica has launched a new plan in collaboration with Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services that functions as an accountable care organization.

The American Hospital Association has voiced its support for legislation that would allow states to receive more than 30 visa waivers for foreign physicians each year as part of the Conrad State 30 Program.

New Bedford, Mass.-based Southcoast Health System has formed Southcoast Physicians Group, an integrated network of nearly 200 physicians and mid-level providers, according to a Herald News report.

California insurer Health Net is partnering with healthcare providers around Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley to form accountable care organizations, according to a San Fernando Business Journal report.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BCPI) initiative has generally been more attractive to providers than either of its two accountable care programs — the Medicare Shared Savings and Pioneer ACO program. Unlike…

Longview (Texas) Regional Medical Center has formally affiliated with Diagnostic Clinic of Longview, a multi-specialty clinic with 132 physicians.

Tucson (Ariz.) Medical Center, more than 150 physicians and three community health centers have joined to form Arizona Connected Care, an accountable care organization, according to an Arizona Daily Star report.