Aetna's Innovative Clinical Collaboration Program
Aetna is taking significant steps to enhance healthcare delivery through its Clinical Collaboration Program. Aimed at improving the support for hospitals, this initiative plans to roll out in ten hospitals by the end of the year 2025. Early feedback indicates strong engagement from members, with promising data suggesting a reduction in both 30-day hospital readmissions and the overall length of hospital stays.
Objectives of the Clinical Collaboration Program
The Aetna Clinical Collaboration (ACC) program is designed to merge the expertise of Aetna nurses with hospital staff. By working closely together, these teams aim to help Medicare Advantage members receive the necessary care to maintain good health after discharge, whether they are going home or transitioning to a skilled nursing facility.
Addressing Hospital Readmissions
Hospital readmissions present a significant challenge, particularly among older patients. Statistics reveal that nearly 20 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who are hospitalized are readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The ACC program aims to improve health outcomes for Aetna Medicare Advantage members by reducing these readmission rates and minimizing visits to the emergency room. In addition, this approach alleviates some of the administrative pressures faced by hospitals and clinical staff.
Importance of Discharge Support
Dr. Ben Kornitzer, Aetna's Chief Medical Officer, emphasizes the critical nature of hospital discharge as a pivotal moment in a patient's care journey. After facing complex new diagnoses and managing multiple medications, patients often deal with the stress of transitioning to a different care setting. With Aetna nurses embedded within hospitals, the program ensures members receive the holistic support needed to thrive post-discharge and reduce the risk of complications that could lead to readmissions.
Impact and Future Plans
The initial phase of the ACC program showed promising results, with approximately 25% of participants actively engaging with a care manager. Once fully operational, the program is expected to consistently achieve a five percent reduction in both hospital readmission rates and the durations of hospital stays year after year.
Aetna's Commitment to Medicare Advantage Members
As a prominent provider of Medicare Advantage health plans, Aetna supports more than 4 million members aged 65 and older. The company’s ongoing commitment includes not only expanding the ACC program throughout its network in the following years but also adapting the program for its Commercial business lines.
About Aetna
Aetna, a CVS Health business, serves approximately 36 million people by providing vital information and resources to help them make informed healthcare decisions. Their offerings encompass a wide range of health insurance products and services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, and behavioral health plans. Aetna's client base includes employer groups, individuals, college students, and governmental units, among others. For more information about their services, please visit Aetna's official website.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is dedicated to enhancing health solutions around every individual, ensuring easy access to care where needed. With an extensive network of nearly 9,000 retail pharmacy locations and a large number of walk-in clinics, CVS Health serves over 37 million people through its health insurance products. Their integrated model prioritizes personalized, technology-driven services that ultimately lower healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aetna's Clinical Collaboration Program?
The Clinical Collaboration Program is an initiative where Aetna nurses work alongside hospital staff to provide enhanced support for Medicare Advantage members post-discharge.
How does the program benefit hospital patients?
The program aims to reduce readmission rates and length of stays by offering personalized support during transitions from hospital to home or skilled nursing facilities.
What are the expected outcomes of the program?
The program is projected to decrease hospital readmissions by five percent and improve overall patient outcomes significantly.
Who is involved in the Clinical Collaboration Program?
Aetna nurses collaborate with hospital clinical staff to ensure comprehensive patient support and care continuity.
When will the program be fully implemented?
Aetna plans to have the Clinical Collaboration Program operational in ten hospitals by the end of 2025, ensuring enhanced care for numerous members across its network.
