Atrium Health Ensures Millions in North Carolina Have Access to High Quality Care
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 13, 2019 – Ensuring residents across North Carolina have access to the largest network of integrated care, Atrium Health is pleased to announce it has signed a new, multi-year agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). Through extending the relationship with Blue Cross NC, millions of patients will continue to have in-network access to thousands of care providers close to home. In addition to Atrium Health’s vast primary care network, North Carolinians will have seamless access to leading-edge medical innovations, convenient virtual care options, top-ranked pediatrics, life-saving cancer and heart care, as well as highly specialized musculoskeletal programs and organ transplants.
The new innovative multi-year agreement builds on North Carolina’s nationally recognized leadership in advancing the delivery of “value-based” care. Value-based care is designed to lower the cost of care by linking insurance payments to patient outcomes, with shared quality objectives between the care providers and insurers to get and keep patients healthy. This allows physicians greater latitude in recommending what treatment options will work best for a patient, based on their unique and individual needs. Value-based care is quickly becoming one of the prevailing approaches in medicine, including through some government-sponsored programs, such as Medicare.
“Atrium Health is proud to be part of leading the way for value-based care in the nation. By improving outcomes and overall health, we can simultaneously improve access to our many primary care locations while reducing preventable hospital stays and emergency room visits,” said Rasu Shrestha, MD, EVP and chief strategy officer at Atrium Health. “In addition to helping control the rising costs of healthcare, we’re working with Atrium Health physicians and other care providers to help them adopt easy-to-use technology and tools that help make positive changes to a patient’s healthcare experience.”
This unique value-based care model allows for a holistic view of patient health and healthcare needs while fostering collaboration between care providers and insurers. Patients across North Carolina will have access to Atrium Health’s integrated network of nearly 40 hospitals and more than 900 care locations. As one of the nation's leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, Atrium Health provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout the Southeast. Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center is the area’s only Level 1 trauma center and is ranked as the number one hospital in the Charlotte area by U.S. News & World Report, as well as being nationally ranked in seven different children’s specialties. Atrium Health’s Carolinas Rehabilitation was also recently honored with the American Hospital Association’s coveted Quest for Quality Prize.
“With a new patient interaction taking place every two seconds at Atrium Health, we know that North Carolinians depend on the expert care provided by our physicians, surgeons and other clinicians to improve heath, elevate hope and advance healing – for all,” said Anthony DeFurio, EVP and chief financial officer at Atrium Health. “Through this new agreement, Atrium Health is excited that millions of patients will continue to have in-network access to thousands of care providers close to home.”
This new agreement is another way Atrium Health is continuing to fulfill its mission to improve health, while also finding unique ways to drive care costs lower, continue to improve on quality and bring value to all the communities they serve.
About Atrium Health
Atrium Health (www.atriumhealth.org), previously Carolinas HealthCare System, is one of the nation's leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, providing a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout the Southeast region. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and well-being of its communities through high-quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.