It’s the first of its kind in Oregon: an accountable care organization for children.
The 125 pediatric providers of the Children’s Health Alliance are organizing with Providence Children’s Health and Providence Health & Services to form a pediatric accountable care organization, or ACO. It will focus on high quality, comprehensive care for more than 13,000 children in the greater Portland area whose Medicaid coverage was formerly managed through the FamilyCare Health Coordinated Care Organization.
“The ACO is not only the first in Oregon that focuses exclusively on children – it’s one of only a few in the nation,” said Deborah Rumsey, executive director of Children’s Health Alliance. “The goal of the ACO is to build upon high quality, comprehensive care to achieve more cohesive and streamlined health services.”
Children in Oregon represent one of the most vulnerable populations, and caring for children is one of Providence’s highest priorities. “We believe this will ensure children, including those with complex care needs, receive comprehensive health services,” said Resa Bradeen, M.D., senior medical director, Providence Children’s Health. “The ACO will look to achieve optimal management of their long term health.”
Providence Health & Services serves more than 150,000 children in Oregon each year through its clinics, hospitals and health plans. Providence also provides health care coverage for children on Medicaid through Providence Health Plan. The mission of Providence highlights its commitment to care for the poor and vulnerable.
The 22 pediatric practice sites of the Children’s Health Alliance are among the highest recognized pediatric medical homes in the Pacific Northwest, caring for more than 140,000 children in the Portland, Salem and Vancouver, Wash., area. Over the past 10 years the practice sites of CHA have become national leaders in pediatric clinical quality programs. They have developed a pioneering pediatric population health management technology; enhanced pediatric care management competencies to deliver acclaimed care for high-needs children and their families; and expanded services in such areas as integrated behavioral health, chronic care management and resilience-building approaches to promote sustained health during a child’s lifetime.
Under this agreement, the children will be members of the coordinated care organization Health Share of Oregon. The new ACO will manage their care through CHA and Providence.
Providence Children’s Health and Children’s Health Alliance are excited about the opportunity to affect the care experience and improve health outcomes for children in our community.
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