Aetna Statement In Support Of Patient–Centered Primary Care Collaborative

HARTFORD, Conn.— Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) today announced its support of the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC), including partnering with leading medical organizations to implement pilots of a primary-care-based health care model. The collaborative includes the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, the American Osteopathic Association, health benefits companies, as well as major national employers and their associations, quality advocacy groups, academic centers, and consumer advocacy groups.

“As medical care becomes increasingly specialized and the health care delivery system more complex, the need for a personal physician to serve as an advocate and to be responsible for a patient’s overall care is critical. Working with the medical profession and other stakeholders to develop practical models for delivering patient-centered care is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Troyen A. Brennan, MD, Aetna’s chief medical officer. “We look forward to working with our colleagues to implement programs that measure the effectiveness of patient-centered primary care.”

Patient-centered primary care is a way that physicians and physician groups can organize their practice to better care for their patients. The model promotes continuity of care, the use of technology to ensure that evidence-based medicine is applied, communication that is more effective and convenient, and empowering patients with the information they need to become more responsible and engaged in their own care.

“Aetna’s involvement with the PCPCC is consistent with our efforts to make quality health care more accessible. Aetna’s Personal Health Record, which provides members with personalized health information they can share with their doctors, and our coverage of online consultations between doctors and members, align with the model’s focus on using technology to support evidence-based care and facilitate more convenient doctor-patient communication,” said Dr. Brennan.

Modern medicine enables doctor-patient interactions that may not be face-to-face. The model’s success will depend on developing approaches to compensate physicians for e-mail consultations, for example, as well as the work to educate patients in the self-care of their chronic conditions, monitor patients receiving care from specialists, and keep track of their preventive care.

The patient-centered primary care model also shows promise in reducing racial and ethnic disparities in health care.

“Aetna is a recognized leader in working to eliminate disparities in health care. Patient-centered primary care respects the values and preferences of individuals, allowing for culturally competent care that recognizes racial and ethnic diversity. Supporting this effort is yet another way we can work to break down barriers to care,” said Dr. Brennan.

According to a recent Commonwealth Fund report, Closing the Divide: How Medical Homes Promote Equity in Health Care, providing minority patients a “medical home” in which they have a regular doctor or health professional who oversees and coordinates their care would help eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities and promote more health care equity.