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Fort Myers, Fla. - November 19, 2015

Florida Blue and Lee Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) announced the launch of an accountable care program aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of patient care in Southwest Florida.

An accountable care program is an important step in moving away from the traditional payment model that focuses on reimbursement per procedure, and instead focuses on a holistic approach to member care. Under this type of arrangement, an insurer collaborates with a network of health care professionals, sharing in the medical and financial responsibility for a group of patients. The program is designed to improve the care delivery process and patients' health status by seamlessly sharing information and achieving quality care targets that include improved management of chronic diseases like diabetes, reducing emergency room visits and hospital readmissions, and eliminating unnecessary duplication of tests and services.

By enhancing the coordination of care among physicians and other health care providers, Florida Blue and Lee PHO plan to improve health outcomes and the overall patient experience. Lee PHO is comprised of local physicians and the hospitals of Lee Memorial Health System. There are 131 primary care physicians, 612 specialty care physicians and approximately 21,000 Florida Blue commercial members participating in this arrangement.

Launched on Nov. 1, 2015, the accountable care program uses quality metrics to reward quality and efficiency and help lower overall healthcare costs. The agreement is the 21st accountable care program Florida Blue has launched across the state. It is another example of Florida Blue’s innovative approach to transform the way patients receive their medical care.

“Both organizations realize the importance of honing their population health management capabilities for improved outcomes,” said Dr. Brian Kiss, vice president of Healthcare Transformation for Florida Blue. “This collaborative relationship will be highly beneficial to our members in Southwest Florida as we work together to improve the care and health of our members.”

"We are excited about our new partnership with Florida Blue," said Anne Rose, Vice President Revenue Cycle and PHO. "We believe this agreement is a good start to reach full clinical integration between physicians and facilities and ultimately will lead to better health for Lee County and the surrounding communities."

The program is for Florida Blue members covered under commercial plans for individuals and groups and does not include Medicare members covered by Florida Blue.

About Lee Physician Hospital Organization

Lee Physician Hospital Organization was formed during 1993 as a partnership between local community physicians and Lee Memorial Health System in order to respond to market demands for managed care products. The Lee PHO entered into its first managed care contract in January of 1994 and has continuously served local employers, administrators and carriers since that time for both commercial and worker’s comp products. The Lee PHO network provides many subscribers with access to the high quality physician, hospital, and ancillary services of the Lee PHO.

About Florida Blue

Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, is a leader in Florida’s health care industry. Driven by its mission to help people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue has more than 4 million health care members across the state. An additional 15.5 million people in 16 states are served through its affiliated companies. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Florida Blue is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.floridablue.com.