'This Will Play an Important Role in Improving the Health of Our Patients,' Says Adventist Officer

Cigna and Adventist Health Networkhave launched a collaborative accountable care initiative to improve patient access to health care, enhancecare coordination and achieve the “triple aim” of improved health, affordability and patient experience. The program became effective January 1, 2014 and is Cigna's first collaborative accountable care initiative to launch in Illinois.

Collaborative accountable care is Cigna's approach to accomplishing the same population health goals as accountable care organizations, or ACOs. The program will benefit the more than 5,000 individuals covered by a Cigna health plan who receive care from Adventist’s 245 primary care physicians and 520 specialists.

“This collaboration with Cigna will play an important role in improving the health of our patients,” said George Mayzell, senior chief medical officer with Adventist Midwest Health. “Our partnership will allow us to collaborate on best practices for patient care and engagement, as well as cost management.”

Adventist Health Network is a clinically integrated network of community physicians who collaborate withAdventist Midwest Health, including Adventist Bolingbrook, Adventist GlenOaks, Adventist Hinsdale andAdventist La Grange Memorial Hospitals.

“Cigna's relationship with Adventist gives us an opportunity to provide innovative solutions for our customers in the greater Chicago area,” said Peter McCauley, M.D., regional medical executive for Cigna's Northeast region, which includes the Midwest. “By rewarding physicians for value, rather than volume of services, we aim to create a patient-centered system focused on prevention and wellness, which will ultimately lead to a healthier population and lower medical costs.”