Mercy, Humana expand virtual access, coordinated care
Feb. 28—Missouri-based Mercy and leading health and well-being company Humana Inc. have signed an agreement to expand patient access to virtual health resources as part of a broader effort to provide more holistic care to Humana Medicare Advantage members.
The new initiative offers convenient care options for Humana Medicare Advantage members who are patients of Mercy's more than 4,000 integrated primary and specialty care clinicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Now in effect, the value-based agreement expands upon Mercy and Humana's existing network contract, which continues to provide in-network access at all Mercy hospitals, outpatient facilities and physician practices.
Key features of the collaboration include:
—Mercy Virtual: Humana Medicare Advantage members now have in-network access to this comprehensive virtual resource, often called a "hospital without beds." Staffed with more than 300 clinicians, it offers 24/7 care, such as virtual primary care in the home. Mercy Virtual's services are an innovative, patient-focused model that provides care to patients when and where they require it.
—Value-based care: Mercy and Humana have entered into a contract to provide care that addresses the health of the whole patient. Payment to Mercy physicians by Humana is linked to providing quality care in order to improve the patient experience and health outcomes. This differs from traditional "fee-for-service" models, by which payment is based on the quantity of services clinicians provide.
"Mercy is committed to working with our communities to improve health care while also reducing the total cost of care," said Shannon Sock, Mercy executive vice president, chief strategist and chief financial officer. "Strong payor relationships, like this one with Humana, will help in our long-term journey to provide more seamless care for our patients. Together we can make a real difference for patients, which is especially critical during this pandemic."
