NASHVILLE, TN--(Marketwire - Apr 18, 2011) - Ten local Independent Provider Associations (IPAs) announced they have come together in the creation of a Middle-Tennessee-wide IPA. The new IPA, which is called Synergy HealthCare LLC, initially will include approximately 250 primary care physicians and provide access to a network of more than 2,000 specialists.
"The IPA coordinated care model has been proven to deliver high quality healthcare to our members, increasing satisfaction and improving outcomes," said James Jones, MD, an internist with Nashville-based Heritage Medical Associates, a participating provider in the IPA. "We have seen great success with our members who participate in these IPAs. By bringing together all of the IPA physicians into a single entity, we are able to offer access to a large network of providers in a single, localized IPA. This enhances the participating providers' and medical groups' ability to contract with all types of payors, including commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, self-insured plans, group retiree plans and others throughout the entire Middle Tennessee area."
IPAs consist of physician-directed practices that emphasize preventive healthcare, with a distinct focus on the quality of care they provide to their patients rather than volume. IPA physicians are empowered to make decisions about their patients' care on such issues as specialist referrals, medical tests and preventive measures.
"Being a part of Synergy HealthCare LLC enables better coordination between my patients' primary care physician and myself, so I have the information to make the best medical decisions," said Donald Cole, MD, a gastroenterologist with Lebanon Digestive Disease Associates, also a participating provider in the IPA. "As a result, I am better equipped to achieve the optimal outcome on behalf of my patients."
The physicians have chosen Tennessee Quest to manage the operations of the IPA and to provide ongoing support which includes analyzing utilization and quality data, and providing information and supportive resources to the participating physicians to improve outcomes of the patients in the IPA.
"Combining into one large IPA offers greater geographic coverage and allows us to serve more patients throughout Middle Tennessee than we could individually," said Vernon Carrigan, MD, an internist with Premier Medical Group in Clarksville, another provider participating in the Synergy HealthCare LLC. "Whether we practice in or near the city or in more suburban or rural areas of the state, we all have the tools and support we need to provide the best possible care for our patients."
Synergy HealthCare LLC
Established in 2011, Synergy HealthCare LLC provides high quality healthcare to patients throughout the Middle Tennessee area. Managed and supported by Tennessee Quest, the IPA includes approximately 250 primary care physicians and access to a network of more than 2,000 specialists. For more information, contact Chris Wright with Tennessee Quest at (615) 234-6753.