Independence Blue Cross partners with DaVita in new health care company

    Figuring out how to lower health care costs without sacrificing quality is a huge concern for doctors and insurers. Independence Blue Cross and DaVita HealthCare Partners announced Tuesday that they are tackling the issue by launching a new physician management services company, Tandigm Health.

    President and CEO of Tandigm Health, Tony Coletta, said that the company will work with primary care doctors to serve patients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.

    “Our goal is to deliver two things: a more personalized, satisfying health care experience, both for our patients, and their doctors,” said Coletta, “[and] better health outcomes, while bending the cost curve for delivering care.”

    In the new joint venture, a percentage of insurance premiums will go toward management services. Coletta said the company will move away from paying physicians for the number of services they provide and offer technology-based solutions, such as integrating population health tools with electronic medical records.

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    “The idea is to create a much better experience for primary care doctors,” said Coletta. “We think it’s one of the first steps toward addressing the shortage problem in the United States.”

    No physicians have officially signed on yet, but the company’s goal is to partner with 300 area doctors by the end of the year.

    Disclosure: Independence Blue Cross supports WHYY.

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