Children's Hospital of Philadelphia forms accountable care organization with Aetna
The agreement transitions more than 1,100 physicians from fee-for-service reimbursement to a value-based payment model.
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Aetna and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia are collaborating on a new accountable care organization that represents the insurer's first pediatric ACO arrangement, the organizations announced Thursday.
Under the contract, the younger members of Aetna commercial plans in the five-county Philadelphia area and Burlington County, New Jersey, who receive care from The Children's Hospital physicians, became part of the program. This includes members up to the age of 19.
[Also: Medicare accountable care organization models spark debate among experts: Are they working?]
The agreement transitions more than 1,100 physicians from fee-for-service reimbursement to a value-based payment model. The physicians will be rewarded for meeting measures such as reducing potentially avoidable hospital admissions and emergency-room visits, and improving appropriate antibiotic usage.
"Aetna is engaging in hospital collaborations that promote coordinated, high-quality care, and an improved patient experience at lower costs," said Laurie Brubaker, president of Aetna's Pennsylvania operations.
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