Eastside Health Network, the clinically integrated provider network that includes Overlake, EvergreenHealth and dozens of independent physician practices, recently launched an initiative with Cigna to offer patients access to an accountable care program with the goal of improving health, affordability and patient experience.

The program, known as Cigna Collaborative Care, became effective on July 1, and expands access for more than 6,000 people who are covered by a Cigna health plan and receive care from providers who are part of the Eastside Health Network.

“Our organization is focused on advancing the health of the communities we serve,” said David La Marche, Eastside Health Network executive director, in a press release. “By working collaboratively with Cigna, we will improve care coordination and focus on preventive care, which will drive even health outcomes and enhanced patient experience.”

Physicians and providers participating in the Eastside Health Network share a collaborative approach to health care delivery that manages patients’ care at every level, controls costs and reduces unnecessary procedures, all with a focus toward the best quality care and outcomes for each patient. The group includes more than 1,100 health-system-employed and independent providers, including primary care physicians and a wide range of specialists, such as cardiologists, hospitalists and neuropsychologists.

Eastside Health Network’s collaboration with Cigna is part of a population health initiative to improve health outcomes for patients through better care coordination and education. In places where it’s been introduced, Cigna Collaborative Care has been shown to improve the health of Cigna customers while effectively managing medical costs by helping to:

• close gaps in care, such as missed health screenings or prescription refills;
• reinforce the appropriate use of hospital emergency rooms;
• increase the number of preventive health visits; and,
• improve follow-up care for people transitioning from the hospital to home.

As part of the Cigna Collaborative Care relationship, EHN will introduce registered nurse care coordinators whose role is to help patients—especially those with chronic conditions— manage their care and navigate the health system to ensure they receive follow-up care or screenings, as well as access to educational resources specific to their care. Care coordinators are also aligned with a team of Cigna case managers to ensure a high degree of collaboration between Eastside Health Network and Cigna, which will ultimately provide a better experience for patients.

“We’re excited to expand our collaborative care program further in Washington and to be a preferred health plan for Eastside Health Network as we work together to change health care,” said Dr. John Sobeck, Cigna’s medical executive for Washington, in a press release. “This model benefits both providers and patients by offering patients higher quality care at an increased value for their health care dollars, while providing improved consistency and communications between physicians and health systems. Most importantly, we expect to see improved health outcomes in the Eastside community.”

Cigna has been a leader in the accountable care organization movement since 2008 and now has 189 Cigna Collaborative Care arrangements with large physician groups, including seven in Washington State. They span 32 states, reach more than 2.1 million commercial customers and encompass more than 100,000 doctors, including approximately 48,000 primary care physicians and 52,000 specialists.

To learn more about Eastside Health Network, visit www.eastsidehealthalliance.org.