Hill Physicians Medical Group Chosen for 2017 Medicare Next Generation Accountable Care Organization Model

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Jan 18, 2017, 17:31 ET

SAN RAMON, Calif., Jan. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hill Physicians Medical Group has been selected to participate in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS') Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Model in 2017. Through the Next Generation ACO Model, Hill Physicians and CMS will have a direct, positive, and immediate impact on the care of more than 19,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Northern California.

The Next Generation ACO Model is part of the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS') efforts to create opportunities for providers to move an increasing percentage of Medicare payments into models paying providers based on the quality rather than the quantity of care provided. 2017 marks the second performance year for the Next Generation ACO Model.

"We are excited to be part of the Next Generation ACO Model and will utilize our expertise to improve the care for Medicare patients," said Amir Sweha, M.D., CMO of Hill Physicians Medical Group. "This initiative is focused on improving continuity and coordination of care consistent with our goals of assuring improved patient experience and better outcomes of care."

To support this initiative, Hill Physicians is partnering with Evolent Health, a company that provides an integrated value-based care platform to the nation's leading physician groups and health systems. The partnership will initially focus on network strategy development, risk adjustment services and implementing Evolent's clinical best practices and technology platform, Identifi^SM.

Evolent CEO Frank Williams said, "The selection of Hill Physicians to participate in the Next Generation ACO Model by CMS reflects the continued commitment of the organization to further improving the quality of care delivered at lower costs. We're looking forward to collaborating with such a respected and innovative provider organization on enhancing healthcare for Californians."

"It is truly an honor for Hill Physicians Medical Group, to be chosen by CMS, especially given the highly selective nature of the process," said David Joyner, CEO of Hill Physicians Medical Group. "This is an important recognition of many years of hard work by our physicians and care managers. We are excited to work in partnership with Evolent Health to serve the Medicare beneficiaries in this Model."

The Next Generation ACO Model participants represent a variety of provider organizations and geographic regions, and were selected through an open and competitive process from a large applicant pool which had to fulfill specific eligibility criteria.

About Hill Physicians Medical Group
Hill Physicians Medical Group is the largest independent physician association in Northern California and is a nationally known leader in innovative healthcare. The Integrated Healthcare Association and California Association of Physician Groups have recognized Hill Physicians as one of the top-performing medical groups in the state. Committed to serving healthy lifestyles, Hill Physicians offers extensive health education services to its patients, including health screenings and self-help through its online information portal at www.HillPhysicians.com.

About Evolent Health
Evolent Health partners with leading health systems to drive value-based care transformation. By providing clinical, analytical and financial capabilities, Evolent helps physicians and health systems achieve superior quality and cost results. Evolent's approach breaks down barriers, aligns incentives and powers a new model of care delivery resulting in meaningful alignment between providers, payers, physicians and patients. For more information, visit www.evolenthealth.com.