Mercy Health program’s focus on primary care saves millions

A Mercy Health effort to improve coordination of care saved the federal Medicare program over $15 million during 2014, according to the nonprofit hospital network.

Called Mercy Health Select, a group of about 1,400 health care providers, including Mercy Health and affiliated doctors, have invested in better electronic medical records systems and obtained certification for primary care locations. To date, Mercy Health has 115 certified patient-centered medical homes, which means those doctor offices use a team approach to managing care and promoting health and wellness.

Mercy Health has also hired about 90 nurse care coordinators to meet with patients, help set health care goals and follow-up with them on appointments and medicine regimens, said Dr. Brent Asplin, senior vice president and co-president of the Select group.

As a result, Mercy Health Select lowered the cost of care for about 64,000 Medicare patients last year in five markets such as Cincinnati, Springfield and Lima to the tune of about $15.4 million, Asplin said.