Talks to focus on care, outcomes, cost
Tower Health, Independence Blue Cross working together
PHILADELPHIA >> Berks Countybased Tower Health and health insurer Independence Blue Cross have announced that they will work together to explore programs that could potentially lead to higher quality and more affordable care in southeastern Pennsylvania.
The two have signed a Letter of Intent to permit discussions on programs that will better manage care, improve outcomes and lower costs for patients.
The collaboration, according to a joint press release, is focused on improving how the health care system works in the communities the two organizations serve.
“We are excited to embark on this new journey with Tower Health. At Independence our goal is to make health care easier to access and simpler to use for our members. We are looking forward to exploring innovative ways to achieve that goal with the leadership and team at Tower Health,” Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO at Independence Blue Cross, said in the release. “This collaboration is part of a bigger initiative and commitment by Independence to partner with community hospitals and physicians to ensure members receive quality care at an affordable price.”
Specifics about the Letter of Intent and the process have not been divulged, but a spokes-
woman for Tower Health confirmed that discussions between the two entities have already begun. The discussions, she added, will include building on existing models of care as well as new programs to enhance the experience of members and patients.
“With Independence Blue Cross, Tower Health gets to work with another high-quality organization that shares our commitment to innovation and caring for communities,” Clint Matthews, president and CEO of Tower Health, said in the release. “I am particularly excited about this collaboration because it will engage our physicians in new ways and will put patient, physician and employer satisfaction at the center of
our efforts to drive changes that will improve the quality of care and lower its cost.”
As part of the initiative, Tower Health will participate in the Independence Facilitated Health Networks model, a collaborative approach focused on bringing health insurers, hospitals and doctors together to improve the quality and lower the costs of healthcare in the region, according to Dr. Anthony V. Coletta, president
of Facilitated Health Networks with Independence Blue Cross.
“The model emphasizes partnerships as a critical component of lowering costs while improving quality on behalf of our members and patients,” he said in an emailed response to questions.
Having Tower Health participate in the Facilitated Health Networks model “illustrates both organizations’
commitment to strengthening their emphasis on coordinated patient care and shared accountability for both quality and cost of care,” according to Coletta. He added that other health systems and physician groups that have joined the model have executed long-term, value-based agreements.
Tower Health is comprised of six hospitals throughout the region including: Brandywine, Chestnut Hill, Jennersville, Phoenixville, Pottstown and Reading hospitals.
For more information about Tower Health visit www. towerhealth.org.
For more information about Independence Blue Cross visit www.ibx.com .