Meritain announces collaboration with Banner Health Network

Meritain Health, an Aetna subsidiary, today announced a collaboration with Banner Health Network (BHN) and Aetna Whole Health, which provides members with access to coordinated care administered by physicians and facilities in accountable care networks nationwide.

Meritain will partner with BHN in Phoenix, Arizona to deliver an industry-leading carrier-level Accountable Care Organization (ACO) product with the help of Aetna Whole Health. BHN will be able to serve Meritain members by providing coordinated care with its integrated delivery system along with its improved system for electronic medical records.

An ACO is dependent on technology and an approach to care using a team for a population of patients. Doctors and hospitals then take accountability for the outcomes of the care and receive financial rewards when higher quality and increased efficiency are achieved, along with a better overall patient experience. The system rewards quality over quantity by using patient-centered care that is based on value and driven by data.

Meritain sees the collaboration as an excellent fit that aligns with its flexible approach to health care, according to vice president of Prodigy Health, parent company to Meritain, Mark Schmidt. The partnership also supports Meritain’s goal of being advocates for healthier living.