Cigna and Fairfax Family Practice Centers Bring Accountable Care to Northern Virginia

Cigna and Fairfax Family Practice Centers have launched a collaborative accountable care initiative.  Based on the same population health goals of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), this initiative is intended to increase access to care, improve coordination, and achieve the ‘triple aim’ of improved health outcomes through quality improvement, lower  medical costs, and increased patient satisfaction. This initiative in Northern Virginia will utilize 100 health care providers at 12 practice locations and is expected to reach approximately 9,700 individuals covered by Cigna health plans.  Immediate benefits of the program will most likely occur among patients with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Physician-led care teams will consist of registered nurses who will serve as clinical care coordinators to assist patients in chronic care management and treatment as well as navigating the health care system. By utilizing the principles of the PCMH, this collaborative will reward primary care providers for improving health outcomes and reducing the costs of services provided to its patient population.