Capital BlueCross Expands Physician Partnerships to Improve Patient Care in Centre County

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Mount Nittany Physician Group joins insurer’s Medical Neighborhood program

HARRISBURG – Capital BlueCross today announced that Mount Nittany Physician Group, a multi-specialty physician group throughout central Pennsylvania, is now part of the company's innovative QualityFirst Medical Neighborhood program. The program emphasizes the quality of care provided to patients, rather than quantity of care.

"Capital BlueCross puts our customers' health and well-being at the center of everything we do. By collaborating with providers within our network, we ensure the highest quality of care is provided to each patient based on their individual needs," said Dr. Jennifer Chambers, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Capital BlueCross. "We are thrilled that Mount Nittany Physician Group has joined our growing QualityFirst Medical Neighborhood program. This partnership will enhance performance and the quality of care, ultimately leading to improved patient satisfaction and health outcomes."

Capital BlueCross' QualityFirst Medical Neighborhood program was launched in 2014. It is one of several Capital BlueCross initiatives focused on improving health outcomes using a performance-based model.

The Medical Neighborhood program rewards greater team work among health care providers to coordinate patient care; saves money for patients by reducing the number of procedures that may not be medically necessary; and measures the outcome of care and patient satisfaction using industry-standard evaluation tools.

A key focus of the program is to identify patients who have, or are at risk of, chronic or complex medical conditions. By proactively engaging these patients, health care providers and care coordinators can ensure that treatment and support are provided to help them manage their condition and prevent further complications.

"In our ongoing mission to make people healthier, Mount Nittany Physician Group is proud to be part of the Capital BlueCross QualityFirst Medical Neighborhood program," said Anthony Cardell, MD, executive director and chief medical officer, Mount Nittany Physician Group. "Participating in this program will help us continue our focus on delivering high quality care through a patient-centered approach and improved care coordination."

Capital BlueCross' patient-centered provider relationships serve approximately 360,000 members through 2,949 providers throughout its service area.

About Capital BlueCross

Capital BlueCross, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is the leading health solutions and insurance company in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. A partner in the community's health for nearly 80 years, Capital BlueCross offers health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our customers.

More than a health insurer, the company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses that is creating a healthier future and lowering health care costs. Among these solutions are patient-focused care models, leading-edge data analytics, and digital health technologies. Additionally, Capital BlueCross is growing a network of Capital Blue stores that provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.