Last modified: Friday, September 30, 2011
Indiana University, IU Health partner to provide greater access to health care in Bloomington area
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 30, 2011
BLOOMINGTON, IND. -- Indiana University and Indiana University Health today (Sept. 30) announced a partnership to establish a pilot healthcare initiative that will increase access and improve the quality of care provided to Indiana University employees, retirees and their families living in the Bloomington area.
Under the Integrated Clinical Care Services pilot, all those covered by an IU-sponsored health plan will have access to primary care physicians, affiliated with the IU Health network at up to four existing clinics in the Bloomington area, who will offer expanded hours and increased walk-in availability.
Additionally, in keeping with the patient-centered medical home model of care - emphasizing the importance of preventive medicine and chronic disease management - several nurse care managers will be added to assist those patients and their primary care physicians in managing complex and chronic medical conditions. By helping patients navigate the complexities of dealing with such conditions, IU hopes to improve the quality of care and maximize positive health outcomes for these individuals, as well as lower the costs to both the patients and the university.
Currently, individuals with complex and chronic medical conditions comprise only 7 percent of those covered by IU-sponsored health plans, but account for 70 percent of the university's healthcare spending.
The pilot program will also establish an electronic medical records system that will allow access to patient records across the entire physician and nurse care managers' network, streamlining the diagnostic and treatment process.
"We are excited to partner with IU Health to bring greater access to care to our employees and retirees in the Bloomington area," said IU President Michael A. McRobbie. "This pilot program is just the latest example of the synergies being generated as we continue to work closely with IU Health, which is the premiere healthcare provider network in the state. It should improve the quality of healthcare delivered to those covered by our health plans, most notably those dealing with serious, long-term medical conditions. "
The first phase of the program will be in place by the end of the year. A second phase launching next year will expand the initiative to include pediatricians in Bloomington, with primary care physicians in Bedford, Nashville and Spencer to be added shortly thereafter.
"Our unique partnership with IU and its School of Medicine will give those individuals covered by an IU-sponsored health plan increased access to our highly skilled physicians and clinicians, the state's only nationally recognized clinical programs and the latest research and treatment options," said IU Health President and CEO Daniel F. Evans, Jr.
Physicians from IU Health Bloomington Hospital, IU Health Southern Indiana Physicians and Internal Medicine Associates, a leading Bloomington health care provider under contract to IU Health, will participate in the program.
"For over 40 years, the physicians and staff of Internal Medicine Associates have been committed to providing the highest quality and most cost effective healthcare to Indiana University employees and their dependents," said Lawrence D. Rink, MD, FACC, Chairman, Board of Managers, Premier Healthcare, LLC. "We are delighted we have been selected to partner with Indiana University in this new healthcare initiative."
The approximately 19,000 people eligible to receive services under this initiative will receive more information once the primary care locations have been finalized. In all, IU provides medical insurance coverage to more than 44,500 people across the state, including employees, retirees, graduate assistants and their families.
For more than 105 years, IU Health Bloomington has provided leading care to south central Indiana. Committed to enhancing health by advancing the art and science of medicine through the use of new technologies procedures and care, IU Health Bloomington now serves a patient base of more than 415,000 people in 10 counties.
About IU Health
As Indiana's largest and most comprehensive and only nationally recognized health system, IU Health has been named among the "Best Hospitals in America" by U.S.News & World Report for 14 consecutive years. As an academic health center, its unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine - one of the nation's leading medical schools - gives patients access to innovative treatments.
Combining the resources and talents of nearly 20 hospitals and more than 23,000 employees statewide, IU Health has the strength it takes to provide preeminent care throughout Indiana and beyond.
For more information on the Integrated Clinical Care Services, please contact Mark Land, IU Associate Vice President for University Communications, at 812-856-1172 or mdland@iu.edu or Margie Smith-Simmons, Interim Director for Public Relations and Communications at IU Health, at 317-962-4085 or msmithsi@iuhealth.org.
