EmblemHealth Supports the Creation of One of the Largest Physician Practices in New York Area to Improve Quality of Care and Patient Health

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Four New York City and Long Island medical groups, with whom EmblemHealth has had longstanding relationships, have come together to form AdvantageCare Physicians, P.C., one of the largest physician practices in the New York metropolitan area. The practice is based on a model developed by EmblemHealth to improve coordination of care to produce better patient outcomes and higher levels of patient satisfaction.

AdvantageCare Physicians includes the Manhattan's Physician Group, Preferred Health Partners in Brooklyn, Queens-Long Island Medical Group, and Staten Island Physician Practice. The new practice brings together more than 400 primary care physicians and specialists and 2,300 staff in 36 convenient locations throughout New York.

These community-based medical destinations will provide coordinated quality care, with physicians working in teams that include nurses, social workers, nutritionists, behavioral health specialists, and other professionals delivering evidence-based, integrated services. Care navigators will help patients address issues such as securing and understanding medication, dietary needs, transportation and medical follow-up. Patients will be encouraged to become partners with their care team in pursuit of the common goal of better health.

These care destinations will also integrate their services with those of the community in order to customize service offerings at each location to support culturally competent care delivery. They will provide access to health and wellness education and health screenings to help members assess health risks and to make informed choices.

"Patients will benefit from better health outcomes and timely attention to their health needs because of this new practice," says EmblemHealth Chief Medical Officer William Gillespie, MD, who will serve as President and CEO of the new physician-led practice. "Our goal is to create a professional clinical community dedicated to using a team approach to coordinate care for the health and well-being of their patients."

The Board of this physician practice will consist entirely of physicians, and physicians will make all health care decisions. EmblemHealth's continued investment in electronic medical records and coordination of administrative functions will allow physicians to spend more time with patients and deliver quality-based outcomes. 

Under the arrangement, patients at these medical groups will keep their current health insurance.

EmblemHealth has been investing in an integrated approach to health management that is uniquely its own, yet consistent with the principles of accountable care.  EmblemHealth studies, published in peer-reviewed journals, have shown that increased coordination of care by medical practices improves health outcomes and member satisfaction.

Building on existing collaborations, AdvantageCare Physicians will be better positioned to innovate to improve clinical quality outcomes, enhance the member experience and deliver on EmblemHealth's commitment to bring care closer to the community, Dr. Gillespie explained. 

About AdvantageCare Physicians:
AdvantageCare Physicians, P.C. is one of the largest physician-led practices in the New York Metropolitan Area, with more than 400 primary care physicians and 36 locations.  These conveniently located community-based medical destinations provide coordinated quality care and support culturally competent care delivery. They provide access to health and wellness education and health screenings, to help patients assess health risks and to make informed choices.

About EmblemHealth:
EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 3.4 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for prescription drugs and dental and vision care. EmblemHealth offers a choice of networks, including quality doctors and other health care professionals throughout the region, leading acute care hospitals across the tristate area, and physicians and hospitals across all 50 states. For more information, visit www.emblemhealth.com.

SOURCE EmblemHealth