Embracing Population Health Management
By Wendy Grafius, contributing writer
Collaboration expected to help transition from fee-for-service model to a value-oriented model
Phoebe Putney Health System of southwest Georgia has partnered with xG Health Solutions, an affiliate of Pennsylvania-based Geisinger Health System, in a move to transform its healthcare delivery methods. The collaboration is expected to help the healthcare system transition from a fee-for-service model to a value-oriented model and realign from single episode treatment to population health management.
A leading performer in U.S. healthcare and serving residents of central and northeastern Pennsylvania, Geisinger is widely recognized for transforming its own healthcare delivery system. With 17 years’ involvement in the innovative use of EHRs and development of ProvenHealth Navigator, an advance patient-centered medical home, and ProvenCare, an approach for evidence-based care delivery, Geisinger’s methods have resulted in better outcomes, improved quality, and reduced costs. In fact, the conversion to a value-based model reduced hospitalizations by 18 percent and readmissions by 36 percent and improved patient perception of care coordination by 19 percent. The creation of xG Health, the exclusive provider of Geisinger’s methodology, has enabled the health system to share its knowledge with organizations nationwide, resulting in over 16 percent reductions in admissions and readmissions and 8 percent reductions in ER visits at client facilities – all while lowering costs for healthcare.
Phoebe Putney is tapping xG Health for help with its strategic plan, with a roadmap from fee-based to value-based. With new performance-based reimbursement methods, the move is essential for long-term financial stability for all providers. “Phoebe is committed to improving patient care and making healthcare more affordable,” said Joel Wernick CEO of Phoebe. “Our goal is to perform in the top 10 percent of all hospitals in quality, outcomes, and patient satisfaction.” Additionally, xG Health will aid Phoebe Putney in care coordination, from wellness and prevention to condition management, in order to manage population health. “For us to continue to serve our community’s healthcare needs, we must innovate and evolve,” continued Wernick.
xG Health’s clinicians will objectively assess Phoebe, evaluating its organizational structure and clinical and economic performance, searching for areas in which to improve care quality and efficiency. “xG Health is delighted to have the opportunity to help Phoebe Putney Health System identify ways to improve the quality and reduce the cost of care it delivers,” said Dr. Earl Steinberg, CEO of xG Health Solutions and executive VP of innovation at Geisinger. “We are extremely impressed by the commitment of Phoebe’s board and executive and clinical leadership to reengineer how the health system can deliver greater value to the patients, payers, employers, and communities it serves.”
Based in Albany, Georgia, Phoebe Putney Health System is an integrated network of hospitals, family medicine clinics, rehab locations, auxiliary services, and medical training facilities. Its flagship hospital, 691-bed Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, is one of the largest regional medical centers in the state, offering cancer treatment, cardiac medicine/surgery, gastrointestinal disease treatment, and women’s health services and is one of only six designated perinatal centers in Georgia. The teaching facility is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) and DNV Healthcare for integrating the ISO 9001 Quality Management System with the Medicare Conditions of Participation. Phoebe has gained national recognition for clinical excellence and innovative health programs for the community.
SOURCE: PR Newswire
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