PHILADELPHIA, July 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independence Blue Cross (Independence) and Crozer-Keystone Health System (Crozer-Keystone) announced that they have renewed their agreement. This long-term renewal gives Independence members continued in-network access to all Crozer-Keystone facilities, employed physician practices, and ancillary providers.
The agreement renews Crozer-Keystone's commitment to Independence's Accountable Care (ACO) payment model, which rewards hospitals and physicians for establishing an ACO-like entity that shares responsibility with the insurer for improving clinical performance and cost efficiency for the care delivered to patients. The ACO payment model, now in its fifth year, is a critical component of Independence's commitment to working collaboratively with physicians and hospitals to promote better coordinated, higher quality, and more cost-effective care.
"We have always had a strong relationship with Crozer-Keystone and this agreement is a testament to both organizations' commitment to further strengthening our partnership," said Independence President and CEO Daniel J. Hilferty. "Crozer-Keystone embraced our ACO payment model early on. We are pleased to continue working with Crozer on improving the quality of care and lowering costs for our members."
"Crozer-Keystone Health System has a deep commitment to controlling costs and improving the quality of healthcare in the communities we serve, and we are proud to be the only tier one health system in Delaware County within Independence Blue Cross' Proactive product," said Crozer-Keystone President and CEO Joan K. Richards. "We are pleased that we have renewed our agreement with Independence. As the largest health system and employer in Delaware County, we were one of the first health systems to participate in Independence's quality enhancement programs and continue with that work."
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 10 million people in 24 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. For nearly 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About Crozer-Keystone Health System
Long known for its commitment to quality care and community health, Crozer-Keystone Health System's hospitals, physicians and ancillary providers have received numerous regional and national honors, including the Foster G. McGaw Award for Excellence in Community Service; the VHA Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence; designation as Centers for Excellence in Cardiac and Bariatric Care by the National Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association; Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology; and many more.
Crozer-Keystone Health System, based in Springfield, Pa., is the largest employer and health care provider in Delaware County. Crozer-Keystone provides a full spectrum of wellness, prevention, acute care, rehabilitation and restorative care to the community. The health system comprises five hospitals, several outpatient facilities, a comprehensive physician network of primary-care and specialty practices, and the Healthplex® Sports Club. For more information about Crozer-Keystone Health System, visit www.crozerkeystone.org or call 1-800-CK-HEALTH (1-800-254-3258).