At Aurora Health Care, our commitment is to your well-being. We collaborate closely with Medicare to ensure you receive exceptional care that is both effective and efficient. A key part of this commitment is through innovative programs like the Emmi program and our participation in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Understanding these initiatives can empower you to take a more active role in your health management and access the best possible care within the Aurora network.
Understanding Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
So, what exactly is an Accountable Care Organization? Think of it as a coordinated network of healthcare providers – doctors, hospitals, and other clinicians – all working together to provide you with seamless and comprehensive care. Aurora Health Care is part of an ACO, partnering with Medicare to prioritize your health needs. This partnership means we are collectively responsible for the quality and cost of the care you receive. Our goal is to ensure you get the right support to achieve and maintain good health, and to provide effective treatment when you are unwell. This coordinated approach helps to streamline your healthcare experience and improve overall outcomes.
How Aurora’s ACO and Emmi Program Work Together to Improve Your Care
Being part of the Aurora ACO doesn’t change your fundamental Medicare benefits. It’s important to understand that an ACO is not a managed care plan like an HMO or Medicare Advantage. You retain your original Medicare coverage, along with all your associated rights and protections. Your freedom to choose doctors and hospitals remains unchanged. While your Aurora doctor might recommend specialists or facilities within our network based on quality and coordinated care, the ultimate decision always rests with you.
However, the Aurora ACO enhances your care experience through improved coordination and access to valuable resources like the Emmi program.
Care Coordination and Support: Leveraging the Emmi Program
Aurora’s ACO is designed to provide you with comprehensive support beyond just doctor’s visits. We have dedicated care managers, nurses, and social workers who are here to assist you and your family in navigating the often complex healthcare system. This is where programs like Aurora Health Care Emmi Program become incredibly beneficial.
The Emmi program is a service designed to provide you with personalized support and information, especially during critical transitions in your care. For instance, if you are eligible, the Care Transitions Program utilizes the aurora health care emmi program to provide individualized support as you transition home from the hospital or move to another care setting.
The Role of the Emmi Program in Smooth Care Transitions
Upon discharge from an Aurora hospital, you may be introduced to a Care Transition Nurse Navigator and/or the aurora health care emmi program. This program typically involves a series of follow-up phone calls and access to informative videos, all aimed at helping you confidently manage your health after leaving the hospital. Both the Nurse Navigator and the aurora health care emmi program are provided to you at no cost. These resources are invaluable in ensuring a smooth recovery and preventing readmissions by empowering you with the knowledge and support you need at home. The aurora health care emmi program acts as a virtual extension of your care team, providing accessible information and guidance when you need it most.
Furthermore, you might be assigned a care manager who you can meet with at your primary care physician’s office or speak with over the phone. These care managers work in conjunction with programs like Emmi to ensure you receive holistic and coordinated care. For any questions about Advocate Aurora Health Care Management in Wisconsin, you can contact us at 888-394-7650.
The Value of Your Primary Care Doctor within the ACO
A primary care doctor (PCP) is central to the success of the Aurora ACO model. Your PCP plays a crucial role in ensuring you receive the right care, at the right time, and in the right place. Think of your PCP as the quarterback of your healthcare team. By providing regular check-ups and preventative care, your PCP can proactively manage your health and keep you on a healthy path. They coordinate with specialists and other healthcare providers within the Aurora network, ensuring everyone is working together for your benefit.
Experience the Benefits of Coordinated Care with Aurora ACO
With Aurora’s ACO and supportive programs like Emmi, your needs are at the heart of everything we do. Your satisfaction is a primary goal, and over time, you may experience several advantages:
- Less Paperwork: You might find yourself filling out fewer redundant medical forms as information is shared securely within your care team.
- Enhanced Communication: Improved communication between all members of your Aurora care team ensures everyone is informed about your health status and treatment plan, leading to more cohesive care. The aurora health care emmi program further enhances this communication by providing you with easily understandable information and resources.
- Fewer Redundant Tests: Sharing test results within the Aurora network can eliminate the need for unnecessary repeat medical tests, saving you time and resources.
- More Choice within a Coordinated System: While you always have the freedom to choose your doctors, staying within the Aurora network allows us to provide you with highly coordinated, high-quality care, often at a lower overall cost due to increased efficiency and reduced duplication of services.
Your Health Information and Privacy within the Aurora ACO
A significant advantage of the ACO model is the secure sharing of essential health information among your Aurora care team. Medicare shares relevant data, such as dates of doctor visits, medical conditions, and current prescriptions, with participating providers. This information sharing is crucial for ensuring smooth transitions between different care settings and providers, and for providing a complete picture of your health history to your care team. This seamless flow of information is a vital benefit of being part of an ACO.
We understand the importance of privacy. Federal law rigorously protects the privacy and security of your medical information. Your rights as a Medicare beneficiary remain unchanged. However, if you prefer to opt out of Medicare sharing your health information with Aurora’s ACO, you have the right to do so. Simply call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Inform the representative that your doctor is part of the Aurora ACO and that you do not want Medicare to share your health information. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Even if you choose to decline health information sharing for care coordination, Medicare may still use your data for essential functions, such as evaluating the performance of doctors and clinicians within our ACO to ensure quality and efficiency of care.
For further information about the Aurora Accountable Care Organization, including organizational and financial details, please visit [Aurora Accountable Care Organization information – link to be inserted if available].
To find a primary care doctor within the Aurora network near you, please visit [Find a doctor near you – link to be inserted if available].
This enhanced, coordinated approach to healthcare, incorporating the aurora health care emmi program and the broader ACO framework, reflects Aurora Health Care’s ongoing commitment to providing you with the best possible healthcare experience.
