The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2022 results for the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and Wellstar Clinical Partners (WCP) Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) helped CMS save over $16 million for the entire performance year.
“These latest results from CMS clearly demonstrate how Wellstar is committed to providing world-class care for every person, every time. Our teams never waiver from that commitment – even during some of the most challenging times in healthcare,” said Dr. Alan Muster, senior vice president, Specialty Division for Wellstar Medical Group. Dr. Larry Hornsby, chairman of the board for WCP added, “At Wellstar, we all work together to keep our communities healthy. We provide the highest-quality care, at an appropriate cost, and ensure each patient has an exceptional experience while maintaining a laser focus on our caregiver well-being.”
Even after CMS revised its methodology for calculating the annual Quality score, Wellstar maintained a competitive rating compared to other Georgia systems that participate in the Medicare ACO. The System also saw an increase in patient satisfaction compared to 2021. The WCP Medicare ACO performed in the top 16 percent of ACOs for 2022 based on generated savings, out of more than 480 other ACOs.
“The health and well-being of every patient remain our top priority,” said Barbara Corey, president of the Wellstar Clinical Partners Medicare ACO. “The hard work and dedication of our WCP physicians is clearly reflected in our latest accomplishments, and we are proud of the compassionate care we consistently provide for the communities we serve.”
As one of the largest and most experienced ACOs in Georgia, the WCP Medicare ACO is consistently named one of the top ACOs in the country. Additionally, the ACO is the only one in Georgia to help Medicare bend the healthcare cost curve for nine of the last ten years. Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACOs are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who come together voluntarily to provide coordinated high-quality care to their Medicare patients.
The WCP Medicare ACO leverages its internal resources, infrastructure, and partnerships with employed and affiliated physicians to deliver high quality, cost-effective healthcare to the communities it serves. Since 2012, the WCP Medicare ACO has been a consistent, high-quality, top performing ACO and it is among the top MSSP ACOs when measured by cumulative savings to Medicare of nearly $150 Million.
Wellstar Clinical Partners Medicare ACO Continues to Significantly Reduce Costs for Patients
Achieves High Score for Patient Satisfaction, Saves Medicare $16 million
Published on November 08, 2023
Last updated 01:20 PM November 08, 2023
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Support Children’s Health During iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon
This holiday season, you can support Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, by tuning in to the 24th Annual iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon.
Tune into 104.3 WBBQ, 96.3 KISS FM and 105.7 The Bull or watch News12 NBC26 to hear stories of hope, healing and inspiration as patients and families share how Wellstar Children’s has had a positive impact in their lives.
December 5 & 6
6 AM to 7 PM
December 7
8 AM to 1 PM
Wellstar Children’s offers dedicated, world-class care to the youngest patients in our state and beyond. The hospital is home to a 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Room, a dedicated Level II Trauma Center, a Level IV NICU and the only Level I PICU outside of Atlanta.
Giving is easy! Here’s how:
- caresforkidsradiothon.com
- During the event: Call the SRP Federal Credit Union Phone Bank at (866) 412-KIDS (5437)
- Anytime: Call (706) 721-4004
- By mail: Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia 1446 Harper Street, BT 1845 | Augusta, GA 30912
- By text: Text CHOG to 51555 at any time
Learn more at caresforkidsradiothon.com.
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A Heart for Collaboration: Wellstar Cardiovascular Quality Forum 2024
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Wellstar & Someone Cares Team Up to Serve Vulnerable Communities
It’s simple for many of us to find a primary care physician or advanced practice provider that we trust and feel comfortable with. By booking online or making a quick phone call, we can make an appointment and feel confident about the level of care we will receive. We know how and where to get the help we need when we need it.
Many people lack access to care, making their path to high-quality care more challenging. It could be because they don’t have insurance, are unable to pay for medical services or don’t have a way to get to their appointments. This isn’t how it should be.
At Wellstar, we believe every person deserves to live their healthiest life, regardless of their circumstances. The Wellstar Center for Health Equity has partnered with local clinics like Someone Cares to make healthcare accessible to everyone in our communities.
A safe and welcoming space
People who rely on Someone Cares include those who are underinsured or have difficulty accessing healthcare due to transportation or financial issues. The clinic is a one-stop shop that offers care at a brick-and-mortar location in Marietta. Services include:
- Primary care
- Addiction treatment
- Behavioral healthcare
- Lab services, including confidential HIV/AIDS testing
- Onsite pharmacies
- Other diagnostic testing
- Treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
In addition to their Marietta clinic, Someone Cares has two mobile units. They travel to communities throughout mtro Atlanta to provide HIV and STD testing, health screenings, health education and vaccinations. It’s a convenient option that allows people to get the care they need, where and when they need it.
Someone Cares also offers specialized services for individuals in the transgender community, including gender-affirming hormone therapy.
How Wellstar supports Someone Cares
Wellstar and Someone Cares began their partnership in 2023 when the organization was applying to become a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
FQHCs are community-based centers that receive funds from the federal government to provide primary healthcare services in underserved areas. FQHCs typically work with a hospital or health system to ensure patients have easier access to services that are unavailable in the primary care setting, such as inpatient behavioral health services.
Someone Cares will officially become a FQHC in February 2025. The designation allows them to expand their services, further supporting vulnerable communities.
Each partnership is unique
Someone Cares is one of about a half-dozen clinics in the Wellstar Community Clinic Network. The Wellstar Center for Health Equity launched the network eight years ago to serve the most under-resourced populations in our communities better.
Each partnership is unique and customized to the community-based clinic’s needs. A few examples of the services we provide include:
- Lab services
- Medical imaging
- Patient education
- Reduced-cost outpatient medical care and health screenings
- Telehealth services
We’re grateful for our Community Clinic Network partners, who help Wellstar create a healthier Georgia for all. Together, we’re making a difference in people’s lives across the state.
Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity.