Improving Health Care, One Member at a Time

ALBANY, N.Y. – July 30, 2012 – It’s another step toward improving the field of primary care in New York’s Capital Region. CDPHP Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) initiative is entering Phase 4, adding 70 new practices, encompassing an additional 70,000 CDPHP members, and 274 new clinicians.

“On August 2^nd, the program will essentially double in size,” said Bruce Nash, MD, chief medical officer for CDPHP. “We’re now able to touch more lives, improve our members’ experience of care, and reduce health care costs,” added Nash, who noted the program will soon include 146 local practices, encompassing 170,000 CDPHP members, and 660 network clinicians.

In 2008, CDPHP launched EPC with the goal of increasing the value and quality of health care, while addressing the shortage of primary care physicians. The program abandoned the “fee-for-service” model, which has historically reduced the amount of time doctors are able to spend with patients. Instead, EPC rewards doctors for spending more time with patients with the greatest needs.

An independent analysis of the EPC program produced the following impressive results:

• 15% reduction in inpatient admissions.
• 9% reduction in emergency room visits.
• $8 per member per month savings. 

The Commonweath Fund has provided grant funding to Brigham and Women’s University to conduct a more expansive study on the EPC initiative. Results are expected in late 2013.  

CDPHP has garnered national attention for this unique model of care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently selected New York’s Capital Region and the Hudson Valley to test payment models to improve the quality and efficiency of health care.

Dr. Nash was also called to testify on Capitol Hill at a House Committee hearing on payment reform. To watch the full testimony, click here.

About CDPHP^®
Established in 1984 as a physician-founded, member-focused, and community-based not-for-profit health plan, CDPHP and its affiliates are uniquely positioned to serve as a model of quality and health value, offering members in 24 counties throughout New York a full. Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com or on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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