Health insurance giant Aetna, which is owned by CVS Health, is launching fully insured and self-insured healthcare network options through Aetna Whole Health Atlanta.
Aetna partnered with two local health systems, Emory Healthcare and Northside Hospital System, to add to is HMO and exclusive product organization (EPO) product portfolios. The partnership begins April 1. Emory Healthcare, which is part of Emory University, is the largest healthcare system in Georgia. Northside Hospital System is among the state’s top providers of cancer care, sports medicine, cardiovascular and surgical service, as well as leading the U.S. in newborn deliveries, according to the announcement.
Atlanta Whole Health is a healthcare delivery model that aims to reward doctors for improving patient care quality; lower medical costs; improve patient experience through management programs; and support patient and primary care doctor relationships. CVS HealthHubs are integrated into this care model in Atlanta. CVS Health currently has 16 HealthHubs in the region with 15 to 20 more locations on the way in 2020.
"Our Whole Health offering is the first of its kind in Atlanta, developed to support a unique PCP delivery model, providing quality medical care by way of doctor-driven plans," Frank Ulibarri, Aetna's president in Georgia, said in a statement. "Over the past two years, we worked diligently to improve both the experience and cost structure for our members in the market. The result is a product that truly acts as a bridge, allowing more coordinated and accessible health care options, designed to lead to better outcomes."
The partnerships with Emory and Northside will bring Aetna’s Atlanta members into a network of 900 primary care doctors, 3,500 specialists, 14 hospitals and more than 500 outpatient care facilities.
"Emory Healthcare and the Emory Healthcare Network are pleased to collaborate with Aetna as it offers a new health care network option to Atlantans," Jonathan S. Lewin, MD, president, CEO and chairman of the board of Emory Healthcare, said in a statement. "Providing healthcare options will allow local residents to choose the most appropriate plan for themselves and their families, with a continued focus on excellence in quality, care delivery and outcomes."
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."