Independence Blue Cross and Jefferson Health have reached an agreement on a new multi-year contract for Thomas Jefferson Health System that demonstrates a strong collaboration between the region’s leading health insurance organization and one of the area’s largest health care systems.
The new agreement, which will go into effect on July 1, offers Independence members access to covered services at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital-Center City, and Methodist Hospital and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience and their subsidiaries, affiliates and divisions.
Independence and Jefferson have a longstanding relationship, and Jefferson was among the first health systems to implement Independence’s innovative accountable care payment model. This model, rewards hospitals and physicians that provide better coordinated, higher quality and more cost-effective care. In the new agreement, Jefferson has renewed its commitment to the program, which has been adopted by more than 90 percent of the region’s health systems.
CHOP opens new center
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has opened a new Specialty Care and Ambulatory Surgery Center in King of Prussia.
The new center, located at 550 S. Goddard Boulevard, will replace an existing one located on nearby Mall Boulevard and will add an ambulatory surgery center where children can have same-day surgery.
The four-floor facility was designed to expand up to a total of 195,000 square feet to allow for future program growth. It includes 68 exam rooms, supporting more than 30 medical and surgical subspecialties, a sports medicine gym, a developmental PT/OT gym, a Pediatric Imaging Center, a Day Hospital for oncology patients, a Sleep Center, an Urgent Care Center and an Ambulatory Surgery Center. CHOP’s Home Care Program is also based onsite.
Temple, Lancaster General make pact
Temple University School of Medicine (TUSM) and Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) have signed an academic affiliation agreement.
TUSM is expanding its relationship with LGH as LGH will become a major clinical teaching site for Temple medical students.
The agreement took effect May 11 when TUSM students began their clinical rotations at LGH in four specialty areas: internal medicine, OB/GYN, family medicine and psychiatry. During the 2015-16 academic year, up to 64 TUSM medical students will be rotating at LGH in these specialties, with other rotations expected in the near future.
As part of the affiliation agreement, Dr. Christine Stabler, vice president of academic affairs at LG Health, will assume the additional title of associate dean at the Temple University School of Medicine. In this role, she will coordinate and direct the clinical education program and oversee the TUSM students’ clinical experiences at LGH.
HUD awards $837,000 to the Calcutta House
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $837,000 to Calcutta House, Inc. in North Philadelphia to help extremely low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
The grant provides a combination of housing assistance and supportive services for this vulnerable population.
The Calcutta House provides housing assistance and intensive on-site supportive services that address mental health, medical costs and hospice needs.
The funding is offered through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program and will renew HUD’s support of 25 local programs in 16 states. Research shows that a stable home is critical to the health of a person with HIV/AIDS, resulting in better health outcomes and reduced transmission of the disease.
Stroke council hosts 5K run/walk
The Delaware Valley Stroke Council will host its 21st Annual Dr. Howard Mazer Strides for Stroke Memorial 5K Run/Walk on June 14 at 8:30 a.m. The race begins at 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway and runs along the Schuylkill River on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.
More than 1,000 runners, walkers, stroke survivors and volunteers are expected to participate in Strides for Stroke to help raise awareness for stroke.
Date: May 26, 2015