Partnership extension brings market stability and builds on a foundation of joint innovation and high-quality care
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Since inking a strategic partnership deal two years ago, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and MissionPoint Health Partners, a member of Ascension, the nation’s largest Catholic and not-for-profit healthcare system, have laid a foundation for delivering innovation and high-value care in Middle Tennessee. Now the two organizations have agreed to extend the partnership through 2020 and build on their joint efforts.
“MissionPoint has taken a leading role in paying physicians for quality and increasing patient satisfaction,” said Clay Phillips, vice president of network innovation for BlueCross. “We’re happy to deepen this important relationship to continue collaborating on innovative solutions for better health and provide stability for group customers.”
Tens of thousands of residents who purchased Blue Network ESM plans on the Marketplace are already reaping the benefit of MissionPoint’s whole-person approach to care. And starting this year, large companies can enhance the member experience for their employees through a dual-network product that combines consumer choice and cost saving opportunities.
“BlueCross is a valued partner in our efforts to extend our unique, high-touch clinical management model to an increasing number of individuals and employers across middle Tennessee,” said Jason Dinger, CEO of MissionPoint Health Partners.
MissionPoint is the key partner for both Network E, available to Marketplace shoppers, and the dual-network product, available to self-funded groups. Both networks are primarily built around the Saint Thomas hospital system and include more than 1,800 physicians and clinical providers, including 60+ subspecialties, 100 outpatient facilities and Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt – all collaborating to deliver high-touch medical services.
As part of the contract extension, BlueCross is also expanding the geographic footprint of the partnership. This expansion will make MissionPoint’s clinically integrated services available to BlueCross members in 10 additional counties.
About Ascension
Ascension (www.ascension.org) is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As the largest non-profit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system, Ascension is committed to delivering person-centered care to all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. In FY2014, Ascension provided $1.8 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. More than 150,000 associates and 35,000 affiliated providers serve in 1,900 sites of care – including 131 hospitals and more than 30 senior care facilities – in 23 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to healthcare delivery, Ascension subsidiaries provide a variety of services and solutions including physician practice management, venture capital investing, treasury management, biomedical engineering, clinical care management, information services, risk management, and contracting through Ascension’s own group purchasing organization.
About BlueCross
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide its customers and communities with peace of mind through affordable solutions for health and healing, life and living. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on reinventing the health plan for its 3 million members in Tennessee and across the country. Through its integrated health management approach, BlueCross provides patient-centric products and services that drive health improvement and positively impact health care quality and value. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.bcbst.com.