Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently honored Cayuga Health Partners with its first-ever Circle of Excellence Health Equity Award, recognizing the health care organization for its significant impact on the lives of underserved populations through health care delivery access and social services interventions to promote health equity among all patients.
Ithaca-based Cayuga Health Partners ACO, a clinically integrated network of primary care physicians and specialty physicians working in conjunction with Cayuga Health System, was recognized for its creation of a closed loop referral process that, in partnership with Human Services Coalition community health advocates, integrates social needs screening, connects patients directly to local resources in the community, and provides direct feedback back to providers. By addressing unmet social needs, CHP is taking steps to address major barriers to health and wellbeing for vulnerable populations in the community.
“We developed the Circle of Excellence awards to recognize those who work in partnership with us to look at different ways to deliver access and high-quality care, and we’re very happy to recognize Cayuga Health Partners for their innovative health equity work,” says Tony Vitagliano, VP, provider network, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
The Circle of Excellence award is not a financial incentive award, but rather a peer-nominated award initiative that showcases visionary, quality, and health equity thought leaders in the Excellus BCBS provider network who have made significant impacts on health care delivery and the lives of the health plan’s members.
“Cayuga Health Partners is leading the region with its commitment to health equity and developing health equity capabilities. We are honored to have Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recognize us in their first Circle of Excellence,” says Rob Lawlis, CEO for Cayuga Health Partners. “We value our relationship with Excellus, and look forward to continuing to collaborate on community health and healthcare delivery initiatives.”
Each Circle of Excellence Health Equity Award nominee must meet the following criteria:
- Must work in a role that addresses social determinants of health and/or health equity
- Does not need to have a medical credential to be nominated
- Must have fulfilled one of the following criteria:
- Contributed to significant process improvement in addressing the care of underserved populations; or
- Dedicated 10+ years to exemplary work in this industry
- Must be able to demonstrate positive outcomes
During a ceremony held at Cayuga Health Partners in November, Excellus BCBS representatives presented a recognition plaque and award certificates to members of Cayuga Health Partners’ executive leadership and health care quality teams.
Contact:
Edward Byrnes, edward.byrnes@excellus.com
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About Cayuga Health
Cayuga Health (CH) has two hospitals, Cayuga Medical Center, and Schuyler Hospital, as well as a multi-specialty group, Cayuga Medical Associates. Combined employment, including affiliated organizations, is over 2,800 employees. CH has clinical service line affiliations with Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester Regional Health for cardiac services, and the University of Rochester for neurosciences. Visit www.cayugahealth.org for more information.
About Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 4,200 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.
