Holy Spirit Health System, Capital BlueCross report improved patient health through accountable care arrangement

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital BlueCross and Holy Spirit Health System are reporting successful results from an accountable care arrangement (ACA) they launched last year, namely high patient engagement which ties directly to improved health outcomes.

An accountable care arrangement, like that between Capital BlueCross and Holy Spirit, is designed to enhance care coordination, improve patient health outcomes and experience, and reduce health care expenses.

"As the region's leading health insurer, Capital BlueCross is actively engaged in innovative partnerships to improve the health of our customers and the community," said Dr. Jennifer Chambers, Capital BlueCross senior vice president & chief medical officer. "Our accountable care arrangement with Holy Spirit Health System is just such a partnership. We are excited that our combined efforts are demonstrating positive results, and we look forward to building on this success so even more customers can benefit from a patient-centered, holistic approach to care."

"We welcome the opportunity to work with Capital BlueCross to improve the quality, access and cost of health care for our community," said Joseph Torchia, MD, chief medical officer, Holy Spirit Health System.

Under the ACA model, Capital BlueCross is partnering with Holy Spirit primary care physician practices to provide dedicated nursing resources and technology to deliver patient-centered, holistic care.

For example, through the use of chronic disease registries, Holy Spirit's electronic medical record system, and Capital BlueCross' technology-enabled predictive modeling tool, members with complex medical conditions or those at risk for a medical condition are identified for outreach, education, and referral for additional clinical, wellness, or community-based intervention and/or services. The tool also identifies members who are eligible but have not received preventive services appropriate for their age and medical condition.

By focusing on a holistic approach to patient care, and working with patients to establish and manage comprehensive plans of care, Capital BlueCross and its Holy Spirit physician partners are also helping to:

• Enhance patient access to care
• Decrease hospital readmissions and preventable complications
• Proactively remind patients and families of needed prevention and chronic care services
• Facilitate improved communication and care coordination

Capital BlueCross has a successful history of partnering with area providers in executing these arrangements, which have proven to yield a high rate of patient engagement and improved health outcomes.

About Holy Spirit Health System

Holy Spirit Health System, a community Catholic health system sponsored by the Sisters of Christian Charity, has been serving the greater Harrisburg area community for more than 50 years. It provides high-quality, cost-effective health services to patients in the greater Harrisburg area and south central Pennsylvania. The system's flagship is Holy Spirit Hospital, a 311-bed acute care hospital. With close to 500 physicians on our medical staff, we offer a comprehensive array of inpatient and outpatient services, including minimally invasive surgery, advanced robotic-assisted surgery, cardiac care, oncology, orthopedics, imaging, laboratory, wound care/hyperbaric therapy, behavioral health, sleep therapy, diabetes education, physical therapy, home health and pharmacy services on campus and through free-standing centers in surrounding communities. They work collaboratively with physicians and other health care providers in the area to meet growing needs. Holy Spirit has been honored for its quality – nationally, statewide and locally. For more information about Holy Spirit Health System, visit www.hsh.org.

About Capital BlueCross

For more than 75 years, Capital BlueCross has been serving central Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley residents and businesses as the region's leading health insurer. Through its family of companies, Capital BlueCross brings innovative services and clinical solutions to the marketplace. Committed to delivering medical value to its communities, Capital BlueCross focuses on improving patient satisfaction, enhancing quality of care and reducing costs. The company continues to lead the change in the industry, most recently by entering the retail market and introducing a first-of-its-kind health and wellness store called Capital Blue. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, employing more than 1,800 people. More information about Capital BlueCross can be found at capbluecross.com.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross