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Transforming Medicare Care: Bluestone ACO’s Success Story

In a groundbreaking achievement, Bluestone Accountable Care Organization (ACO) has successfully saved Medicare a remarkable $33.6 million in 2024. This achievement is part of the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), showcasing the organization’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality healthcare to its patients in assisted living, memory care, and group home communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida. Furthermore, this success paves the way for an exciting partnership with Herself Health in 2026.

Key Highlights of Bluestone ACO’s Performance

Bluestone ACO’s outstanding performance can be highlighted through several key metrics:

• - Cost Savings: For the third consecutive year, Bluestone ACO has ranked among the top five nationally for savings per beneficiary, achieving an average of $6,212. The organization excels in lowering healthcare costs through efficient management of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and readmissions.
• - Quality Metrics: Bluestone ACO not only focuses on savings but also prioritizes high-quality care. The organization has met crucial quality measures for various conditions, including diabetes, depression, and hypertension, showcasing its dedication to comprehensive healthcare.
• - Management of Complex Conditions: The ACO has the highest risk scores among MSSP ACOs, indicating a strong capacity for managing patients with chronic conditions and significant medical needs.

"These results reflect the dedication of our team and demonstrate that coordinated care leads to better patient outcomes while reducing costs," expressed Dr. Rajiv Patel, CEO of Bluestone Physician Services.

Future Expansion with Herself Health

Building on its success, Bluestone ACO is set to expand its value-based care model by partnering with Herself Health, a healthcare provider focused on delivering primary care tailored for women as they age. This collaboration aims to enhance overall health outcomes by providing a holistic approach to women’s wellness.

Both organizations share a commitment to utilizing coordinated care to lower costs while improving accessibility. Herself Health’s personalized care model aligns seamlessly with Bluestone ACO’s strategies, focusing on mental, spiritual, and social health, thus offering a rich, well-rounded healthcare experience for patients.

Kristen Helton, CEO of Herself Health, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "By collaborating with Bluestone ACO, we can ensure more women receive care that is not only responsive to their particular health needs but also embraces longer consultations and better provider coordination."

What Distinguishes Bluestone’s Care Model?

Bluestone’s distinct care model revolves around understanding patients’ needs and providing a sincerely coordinated healthcare experience:

• - Accessible Expertise: Bluestone Providers offer care directly in patients' homes, establishing trusting relationships that facilitate early health interventions.
• - Collaborative Approach: By coordinating effectively with clinical assistants, care managers, and coordinators, Bluestone ensures that all patient needs—physical, emotional, and social—are comprehensively addressed.
• - Evidence-Based Management: Through data-driven strategies, Bluestone efficiently manages care delivery, ensuring timely interventions that align with each patient's preferences.

Impact on the Healthcare Landscape

By successfully proving that comprehensive and coordinated care can dramatically enhance health outcomes while reducing overall costs, Bluestone ACO is not only benefitting its patients but is also reshaping the future of the healthcare industry. Planned reinvestments and enhancements in service offerings are set to redefine the patient experience further.

With Herself Health joining the Bluestone ACO family, the future looks promising for improved healthcare delivery systems, facilitating a sustainable model that empowers both patients and families. Bluestone ACO continues to demonstrate that innovative partnerships and data-centric approaches are the keys to enduring success in healthcare.

Bluestone Physician Services operates throughout Florida, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, providing on-site comprehensive medical care to those in need. Their strategic vision not only aims at delivering health but also fosters community-centered practices that serve everyone effectively.

In conclusion, Bluestone ACO's recent achievements exemplify what is possible when compassionate care meets innovative practices, a testament to the organization's relentless pursuit of healthcare excellence.