CalPERS’ Demonstration Project Tests ‘Virtual Integrated Model’
A pilot project launched by the California Public Employees' Retirement System has illuminated some potential lessons for accountable care organizations, HealthLeaders Media reports.
In January, CalPERS launched the accountable care organization pilot project to reduce costs and improve health care for 41,000 state retirees in the Sacramento area.
Blue Shield of California, Catholic Healthcare West and Hill Physicians Medical Group are leading the initiative.
The program allows CalPERS members to pay a reduced premium to participate in a "virtual integrated model,"Â which enables the three health care organizations to share patient data and coordinate care.
Progress, Lessons Learned
Three months into the program, officials noted that the initiative has faced challenges in achieving interoperability between the three different health IT systems.
However, officials noted that the program has achieved some progress by motivating the health care organizations to work toward:
- Boosting care quality while reducing costs;
- Enhancing communication and cooperation; and
- Merging health care cultures.
Juan Davila -- senior vice president of network management at Blue Shield of California -- said the importance of developing trust between the health care providers and the health plans has been the biggest takeaway from the project.
Davila said the accountable care organization expects to generate about $10 million in cost savings by the end of the year (Simmons, HealthLeaders Media, 4/8).
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