Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana has partnered with Indianapolis-based OrthoIndy and Franciscan Health’s Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Carmel to create a narrow orthopedic network that the insurer says can cut costs for joint replacement and other orthopedic procedures by up to 50%.
The HealthSync Designated Orthopedic Network, which launched Jan. 1, steers Anthem HealthSync plan members toward surgeons and facilities that meet specific cost and quality benchmarks, including Blue Distinction Center designation. Participating providers offer concierge scheduling from initial appointment through post-surgical follow-up, according to a March 4 news release.
The network is open to other orthopedic groups that meet the qualifications, though only OrthoIndy and Forté were participating at launch. OrthoIndy, one of the largest orthopedic practices in the state with more than 100 physicians, said it spent two years collaborating with Anthem on the initiative.
