Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) and Mercy are announcing a new value-based care agreement, which went into effect on July 1, allowing both entities to work collaboratively to deliver coordinated care that focuses on better health outcomes. Mercy is the latest health system in Oklahoma to collaborate with the state’s largest, customer-owned health insurer, in an agreement such as this.

Value-based care is an innovative health care delivery and payment model that incentivizes health care providers and hospital systems to focus on patient health outcomes. The traditional fee-forservice model currently used simply pays for the care completed, regardless of the end results. The new agreement obligates both organizations to jointly develop new value-based care capabilities focused on improving health outcomes for Blue Cross and Blue Shield members who are Mercy patients. This innovative approach to health care includes a collaboration with electronic health care record company MyHealth Access Network, allowing Mercy providers to coordinate with other Okla homa health care professionals to enhance patient care and reduce costs.

“Expanding value-based care programs enhances patient outcomes by creating efficiencies in primary care, resulting in a more holistic experience for our members. It’s truly a win-win-win solution for the patient, the health system and the insurer”, said Joseph R. Cunningham, M.D., BCBSOK President. “This agreement shows our commitment to providing the best health care coverage for our BCBSOK members, including group, individual and tribal members, who are Mercy patients. Our collaborative efforts will be coordinated and focused on overall health results,” Cunningham said.

This joint effort between a health system, payer and health information exchange is an important step in working toward a healthier state population. From Watonga to Ardmore, Mercy has 10 acute care hospitals in nine Oklahoma communities and more than 100 Mercy clinics across the state.

“We see this new model as another way to improve care for our patients,” said Dr. Jesse Campbell, primary care physician and president of Mercy Clinic in Oklahoma. “The last year taught us we have to think differently about the ways we offer care for patients. They want easy, convenient and, most importantly, affordable access to a health care provider when they need it most. We know patients who have access to and get regular, preventive care have lower health care costs and need less emergency care. This new care model incentivizes our patients and providers to work together toward achieving their best health possible.”

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma For more than 81 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state’s oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 830,000 Oklahomans. For more information, visit bcbsok.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma, Montana and New Mexico), the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems for four consecutive years by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy is one of the nation’s most highly integrated, multi-state health care systems, including more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, more than 4,000 Mercy Clinic physicians and advanced practitioners and 40,000- plus co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients from coast to coast.