Pella Regional Health Center and its family of medical clinics has collaborated with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield since 2015 as an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), providing medical care for Wellmark members.
The purpose of this ACO is to better coordinate care for patients, resulting in higher quality, lower costs and improved patient experience. Based on results in both 2016 and 2017, Pella Regional achieved the highest percent increase in quality compared to all other participating organizations as determined by Wellmark’s Value Index Score (VIS). In 2017 alone, the score increased by more than 12%.
The six main factors composing the VIS scoring are:
· Screening for early detection or prevention of disease
· Managing urgent health issues
· Managing the health of patients with chronic conditions
· Continuity of patient visits
· Engagement with recently discharged hospital patients
· Efficient use of drugs and avoiding unnecessary medical tests and services
Some of those ideas have led to greater access for patients including extended hours, increased numbers of same day appointments and the First Fill Pharmacy at Pella Medical Clinic.