Regence and The Everett Clinic Expand Joint Collaborative Care Initiatives

SEATTLE, July 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Regence BlueShield in Washington and The Everett Clinic today announced that they have taken the next step in advancing the Triple Aim goals of improving the health of patients and their care experience, and lowering costs, through a new collaborative payment model.

The initiative with The Everett Clinic will include a shared incentive reimbursement arrangement in which The Everett Clinic will receive future payment increases tied to mutually agreed-upon, measurable improvements in quality.  

Both Regence and The Everett Clinic have been leaders in the development of the patient-centered medical home concept, which strengthens the doctor-patient relationship, improves care and leads to more efficient management of healthcare costs.

"The Everett Clinic is a strong partner, who invests in population health to meet the Triple Aim goals of improving the experience of care, improving the health of populations, and reducing per capita costs of healthcare," said Richard Popiel, M.D., M.B.A., executive vice president of Health Care Services and chief medical officer for Regence. "Regence and The Everett Clinic share a commitment to transforming the healthcare system through innovative collaborative care programs such as this new model."

The Everett Clinic has been recognized for its efforts to better coordinate care for patients and has been working closely with Regence to enhance and tailor a collaborative care model to meet the specific needs of Regence members.  

"This partnership will add value for patients. We'll track meaningful improvements in quality for patients with a goal of reducing costs while providing better service," said Rick Cooper, CEO of The Everett Clinic.

The agreement with The Everett Clinic is the latest development in Regence's comprehensive Accountable Health strategy within the Regence family of companies in Washington, Oregon, Utah and Idaho to help foster collaborative physician-patient relationships that improve quality of care. Since 2007, Regence has worked with providers, employers, and individual members throughout its four-state region to implement collaborative care models.

Regence is currently developing additional collaborative arrangements with doctors and hospitals throughout the Northwest region. Announcements are anticipated in the coming weeks.

About Regence BlueShield
Regence BlueShield is a leading health plan in Washington with nearly one million members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence BlueShield is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and is affiliated with Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah. Together, the companies serve more than two million members in the Northwest/Intermountain Region. The Regence affiliated companies are committed to improving the health of its members and communities, and to transforming the healthcare system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com or www.twitter.com/RegenceWA.

About The Everett Clinic
The Everett Clinic is a nationally recognized healthcare leader known for providing high-quality healthcare services while lowering the overall cost of care. With more than 450 providers in primary and specialty care at nine locations throughout Snohomish County, The Everett Clinic is innovative in approaches to improving health. Consistently named as a Fortune Magazine "100 Best Companies to Work For", The Everett Clinic staff and providers support the core value of doing what is right for each patient. Visit us at everettclinic.com.

SOURCE Regence BlueShield