Allina Health and HealthPartners have solidified their commitment to superior patient care by announcing a significant five-year partnership. This builds upon their already successful collaborations, most notably the Northwest Metro Alliance, and aims to elevate healthcare quality, accessibility, and affordability for patients and members. This initiative underscores Allina Partners Care, a core value that both organizations champion, focusing on delivering patient-centered healthcare solutions.
The foundation of this partnership is built upon a decade of successful collaboration within the Northwest Metro Alliance. This Accountable Care Organization (ACO) has demonstrated remarkable results, achieving a 6 percent reduction in medical cost trends compared to the broader metro area. This translates to substantial savings of $40 million over the past ten years, a testament to the effectiveness of their joint efforts. Prior to the Alliance, cost trends were consistently exceeding the metro average, highlighting the transformative impact of this collaborative approach to healthcare.
This new venture takes their commitment to Allina Partners Care to the next level by implementing value-based care across both organizations. This model prioritizes the quality of care delivered over the sheer volume of services. Reimbursement is directly linked to patient outcomes and measurable improvements in care quality. Key metrics include reducing hospital readmissions, enhancing care coordination through electronic health information exchange, and bolstering preventive care initiatives. The overarching goal is to tangibly improve the health and well-being of individuals and the broader community. The extended five-year duration of this partnership signifies a long-term dedication to population health strategies and reinforces the deep-seated Allina Partners Care philosophy.
Dr. Penny Wheeler, CEO of Allina Health, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership is an extension of what is possible when health care organizations work together to improve the physical, mental and financial health of patients.” She further added, “We are proud to build on our partnership with HealthPartners – a partnership that has proven that by working together, we can better improve the lives of those we collectively serve and change health care for the better.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of Allina Partners Care – a dedication to collaborative improvement for the benefit of patients.
Echoing this enthusiasm, Andrea Walsh, President and CEO of HealthPartners, commented, “Today, we are expanding the strong partnership between our organizations. Our shared commitment to deliver high quality, affordable care and coverage has translated into better health and cost savings through the Northwest Metro Alliance. We are excited to bring that same spirit of innovation to build better health in all of the communities we serve.” This shared vision further solidifies the Allina Partners Care approach as a driving force behind their joint endeavors.
The Northwest Metro Alliance, launched in 2010, serves as a prime example of the power of Allina Partners Care in action. By uniting the HealthPartners health plan, four HealthPartners clinics, five Allina Health clinics, Riverway Pain Clinic, Mercy Hospital campuses, and affiliated specialists, the Alliance focused on enhancing the health of residents in the northwest metro area. Several key initiatives demonstrate the tangible impact of this collaborative care model:
Reducing Opioid Use through Specialized Pain Care
The Riverway Pain Clinic, established in 2015, has achieved remarkable success in reducing opioid dependence among patients. Data indicates a 50 percent decrease in patient-reported pain levels as patients successfully tapered off opioid medications. Impressively, 95 percent of continuously enrolled patients reduced their opioid use, and 38 percent completely discontinued opioid use. This initiative highlights the Allina Partners Care commitment to addressing critical health challenges and improving patient well-being through specialized and compassionate care.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health through Proactive Screening
Recognizing the profound impact of social determinants of health, such as access to food, housing, and transportation, the Northwest Metro Alliance implemented proactive screening programs. Over the past two years, these screenings have identified over 4,300 patients with social determinants of health needs. By connecting these individuals with appropriate resources, Allina Partners Care extends beyond traditional medical treatment to address the holistic needs of patients and improve community health.
Improving Patient Outcomes and Reducing Hospital Readmissions
Enhanced coordination between HealthPartners clinics and Mercy hospitals has led to a significant reduction in hospital readmission rates. Compared to baseline data, the improved care coordination demonstrates the effectiveness of Allina Partners Care in ensuring seamless transitions and preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Furthermore, Allina Health and HealthPartners are co-owners, alongside Essentia Health, of St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee. This unique collaborative ownership model exemplifies Allina Partners Care by aiming to reduce service duplication and enhance care coordination for patients in the southwest metro area. With a network of 30 affiliated clinics and 450 clinicians, St. Francis delivers advanced medical technology, specialized care, and comprehensive services, bringing high-quality healthcare closer to home.
This expanded partnership between Allina Health and HealthPartners reaffirms their dedication to Allina Partners Care. By focusing on value-based care, building upon successful collaborations, and prioritizing patient well-being, these organizations are setting a new standard for healthcare delivery and demonstrating the power of partnership in improving community health.
About Allina Health
Allina Health is a non-profit healthcare system committed to preventing and treating illness and enhancing the health of individuals, families, and communities across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Their comprehensive network includes over 90 clinics, 11 hospitals, 15 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation services, providing care throughout the entire spectrum of life.
About HealthPartners
HealthPartners is the largest consumer-governed, non-profit health care organization in the nation, driven by a mission to improve health and well-being in partnership with members, patients, and the community. For additional information, please visit healthpartners.com.
