Introduction
In a significant advancement for healthcare in Virginia, North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) and Sentara Health Plans have teamed up to initiate a pioneering patient-centered quality-based program. This partnership is designed not only to enhance patient outcomes but also to improve overall healthcare experiences while simultaneously reducing costs. This innovative project highlights the joint dedication of both organizations to prioritize patient health and the quality of anesthesia services.
Overview of the Program
Launched on June 3, 2025, this multi-year initiative emphasizes quality over quantity by focusing on in-network care. According to Christina Midcap, Vice President of Managed Care at NAPA, this approach significantly enhances the safety and patient experience while empowering healthcare systems for greater efficiency. By integrating NAPA's award-winning quality program with Sentara's healthcare strategies, the collaboration aims to set a new benchmark for anesthesia services in Virginia.
Key Features and Benefits
The quality-based program incorporates a variety of anesthesia-specific performance measures, essential for driving patient-centered care. These measures stem from NAPA’s commitment to quality leadership, evidenced by their Anesthesia Patient Safety Institute (NAPSI), recognized as a Patient Safety Organization by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This collaboration represents a comprehensive effort to improve patient safety outcomes through innovative and data-driven strategies.
Robert Krebbs, Vice President of Network Management and Value-Based Care for Sentara Health, emphasized that the partnership is centered on delivering quantifiable results that enhance patient care quality. By prioritizing high-quality services, both organizations aim to ensure better care experiences for members enrolled in Sentara’s Commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Managed Medicaid products.
The Role of Data in Quality Improvement
Dr. Leo Penzi, the Chief Medical Officer at NAPA, pointed out the vital role of data and evidence-based practices in reducing risk and enhancing patient outcomes. The metrics adopted in this program reflect established guidelines that tackle crucial safety concerns in perioperative services. By leveraging data, both NAPA and Sentara Health Plans seek to address potential challenges proactively, thereby ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of anesthetic care.
Industry Recognition
NAPA’s reputation as a leader in anesthesia services is underpinned by its nearly 5,000 clinicians who treat around 2 million patients each year across approximately 400 healthcare facilities in 23 states. The organization is recognized for its exceptional approach to clinician management, patient safety, and overall healthcare quality. Similarly, Sentara Health stands out as a national leader in clinical quality and innovation, holding numerous accolades such as the Health Quality Innovator of the Year award (2024) and being recognized by Forbes for its exemplary employee practices.
Conclusion
The partnership between NAPA Anesthesia and Sentara Health Plans marks a transformative step in the evolution of patient-centered care. With a shared vision of advancing healthcare standards, this initiative demonstrates a concerted effort to improve patient outcomes and experiences while maintaining a commitment to reducing healthcare costs in Virginia. As they embark on this collaborative journey, both organizations reaffirm their dedication to delivering high-quality anesthesia services and enhancing healthcare experiences across their respective member bases. For further information on these efforts, visit
NAPAanesthesia.com and explore the services offered by Sentara Health Plans.