In Brief: Health Net, John Muir Health Form ACO, Tom Williams Departs IHA
Health Net, John Muir Health Form ACO
Woodland Hills-based Health Net and Walnut Creek-based John Muir Health have created an accountable care organization that will serve Health Net enrollees who reside in Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Counties.
The enrollees in the ACO will have specific medical homes for their care, and receive coaching regarding complex healthcare issues. The number of enrollees was not disclosed by Health Net and John Muir.
“Our goal is to help improve the ability of patients to find the right care at the right time and in the most appropriate setting,” said Chris Ellertson, regional health plan officer for Health Net. “Through the arrangement, Health Net and John Muir Health will work collaboratively to build new efficiencies aimed at reducing the cost of care while maintaining access to quality care and decreasing the upward pressure on insurance premiums.”
John Muir officials said they expect the ACO will decrease patient care costs.
Kaiser: Exercise Linked To Lower Blood Pressure, Glucose Readings
Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente has released a study linking self-reported levels of exercise to better blood pressure and blood glucose readings among its membership.
The study focused on the electronic health records of nearly 623,000 Kaiser enrollees in Southern California. It discovered that women who regularly reported at least 150 minutes of exercise a week -- and even though who reported exercise below that threshold -- has better diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings compared to those who did not exercise at all. Men had lower diastolic blood pressure. The fasting glucose levels of both men and women who exercised were better compared to the inactive group.
“Combining our findings with results from intervention studies suggest that exercise can play an integral part in moderating/lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, and ultimately a patient’s cardiometabolic health,” said Deborah Rohm Young of the Kaiser Department of Research & Evaluation.
Tom Williams Departs IHA For Stanford Health
Tom Williams, who led the Integrated Healthcare Association for the past decade, left the organization on Dec. 31. Williams accepted a newly created position at Stanford Health as vice president and general manager of accountable care operations and strategy. Williams will oversee the creation of accountable care organizations with Stanford.
“It has been an honor and pleasure to work for such an outstanding organization,” Williams said in a letter to IHA employees.
Jill Yegian will serve as IHA’s interim executive director as a replacement for Williams is sought. Yegian has been the organization’s senior vice president.
