On July 23, 2018, The Health Care Authority (HCA) announced that Capital Medical Center and their partner surgeons at Olympia Orthopaedic Associations will serve as a Center of Excellence for spinal fusion bundled episodes of care. Premera Blue Cross will continue to administer the program. The Centers of Excellence Program is part of HCA’s continued efforts to pay for value instead of volume. The effort is part of HCA’s Healthier Washington initiative and is aimed at creating incentives and payment models for high-quality care.
Beginning January 1, 2019, members enrolled in the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program’s Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) Classic and UMP Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) will be able to choose the Centers of Excellence Program for spinal fusion evaluation and surgery. Members of the two plans who meet medical and other criteria can receive their spinal fusion procedure, including pre- and post-operative care, at Capital Medical Center at low to no cost. The program also includes a travel and lodging benefit for eligible expenses.
The Centers’ clinical teams—including physicians, hospitals, and others involved in spinal fusion—coordinate patient care, keeping the member involved in every step of the decision-making about their care choices.
“Given our location here in Olympia, we are particularly proud to be designated a Center of Excellence to provide public employees and their families with needed spinal fusion treatment,” said Capital Medical Center CEO Mark Turner. “We applaud the Health Care Authority’s focus on value and its recognition of Capital’s longstanding commitment to best practices in orthopedic care. In partnership with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, we look forward to delivering high-quality, cost-effective services to our neighbors in the region and those from around the state.”
HCA chose Capital Medical Center after a competitive bidding process, which included a requirement for demonstrating high-quality outcomes. Over the last several years, Olympia Orthopaedic Associates has invested in patient-centered care initiatives including patient-reported outcomes and best practice care for spine patients. As part of the HCA decision, representatives met with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates physicians, staff and directors as well as reviewed patient outcomes and costs.
“Olympia Orthopaedic Associates is excited about the recognition of the excellent care we have been providing in Olympia,” said Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Dr. Andrew Manista. “This collaboration with CMC is just another example of the innovative strategies OOA physicians are employing to provide world class care for our community and beyond.”