business
Florida insurer launches oncology ACO
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 21, 2012
Florida Blue, formerly Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, announced May 4 the formation of an accountable care organization to coordinate services for oncology patients cared for by Baptist Health South Florida and Advanced Medical Specialities. Baptist is the largest faith-based nonprofit health care organization in South Florida, and Advanced Medical Specialties is an oncology medical practice with 41 physicians practicing at 17 locations in the area.
This is believed to be the first ACO focused on cancer.
“In the age of reform, health care organizations must create new models of care that deliver the highest quality of care while reducing the cost burden for all stakeholders,” said Patrick Geraghty, Florida Blue’s chair and CEO.
These partners hope to improve advanced care planning and the use of evidence-based treatment as well as reduce emergency department visits.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/21/bibf0521.htm.