Cigna and The Polyclinic have launched a collaborative accountable care initiative to improve patient access to health care, enhance care coordination, and achieve the “triple aim” of improved health, affordability and patient experience. The program became effective October 1, 2013 and is Cigna's second accountable care initiative in the region.
Collaborative accountable care is Cigna's approach to accomplishing the same population health goals as accountable care organizations, or ACOs. The program will benefit individuals covered by a Cigna health plan who receive care from The Polyclinic’s 175 primary care doctors and specialists.
Under the program, The Polyclinic will monitor and coordinate all aspects of an individual’s medical care. Patients will continue to go to their current physician and automatically receive the benefits of the program. Individuals who are enrolled in a Cigna health plan and later choose to seek care from a Polyclinic doctor will also have access to the benefits of the program. There are no changes in any plan requirements regarding referrals to specialists. Patients most likely to see the immediate benefits of the program are those who need help managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Cigna will compensate physicians for the medical and care coordination services they provide. Additionally, they may be rewarded through a “pay for value” structure if they meet targets for improving quality and lowering medical costs.
