In a strategic move to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality for independent medical practices in Louisiana, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, a  wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is joining forces with the Louisiana State Medical Society (LSMS). This collaborative initiative aims to extend value-based payments and quality incentives to independent practitioners, enabling them to harness the benefits of economies of scale. Additionally, a $1 million investment is being made by Louisiana Healthcare Connections to enable participating practices to implement electronic medical records.

Louisiana Healthcare Connections Chief Medical Officer, Stewart T. Gordon, M.D., FAAP, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking partnership, stating, “As a physician deeply committed to improving the Louisiana system of healthcare, I am excited about the possibilities this collaboration between LSMS and Louisiana Healthcare Connections offers to independent medical practices. By pooling together to participate in value-based payment models, independent practices gain opportunities to improve quality outcomes for their patients, at a reduced cost. This important partnership will strengthen the practice of medicine for those physicians desiring to remain independent. Ultimately, this means better care for Louisiana’s Medicaid members.”

The Louisiana State Medical Society’s Health Information Exchange (HIE), HealthSYNC, plays a pivotal role in this collaboration. By partnering with Louisiana Healthcare Connections, the HIE aims to enhance interoperability for independent primary care practices across the state. This breakthrough initiative enables small independent practices in Louisiana to participate in value-based payment models for Medicaid members, thus improving healthcare quality and outcomes.

“The Louisiana State Medical Society is proud to partner with KONZA National Network, a health information exchange, to develop, implement, and operationalize HealthSYNC statewide,” said LSMS Director of HealthSYNC, Jeremy Lapeyrouse. “This collaboration ensures that our members have a simple, streamlined solution to access national and state health information exchanges, comply with government quality program measures, gain deeper insights, and utilize powerful analytic tools. This work aligns with our vision of promoting excellence in the practice of medicine.”

This partnership between LSMS and Louisiana Healthcare Connections marks a significant milestone in the healthcare industry, offering independent medical providers the opportunity to collaborate with a leading Medicaid provider and participate in value-based payment models. It demonstrates a shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery, enhancing quality, and ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to all residents of Louisiana.

Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Vice President of Network Development & Engagement, Joe Tidwell, added, “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of enhancing healthcare access. We are thrilled to work alongside the Louisiana State Medical Society to extend our value-based payment models to independent practices. Together, we can make a substantial impact on healthcare delivery in Louisiana.”

For more information about this collaboration and its benefits for independent medical providers, contact Jeremy Lapeyrouse, Director of HealthSYNC, jeremy@lsms.org.

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About Louisiana Healthcare Connections

A Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Healthcare Connections was established in 2011 to provide the best benefits and programs possible in order to improve the overall health of the families and communities we serve. We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, focused on identifying and removing institutional barriers to good health with sustainable solutions that reduce health disparities and create health equity. Through a family of engaged employees, dedicated providers and diverse community partners, we deliver care for the health of all with Medicaid Made Personal. For more information, visit www.louisianahealthconnect.com.

About Louisiana State Medical Society

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, there is nothing more important than having well-trained, skilled, and knowledgeable physicians and no one knows more about these attributes than the Louisiana State Medical Society (LSMS). Our mission is to be the trusted advocate for patients and physicians in the state of Louisiana.

Today, we represent 6,000 physicians, residents, and physicians-in-training throughout Louisiana. These individuals represent a diverse group of demographics and practice settings within the healthcare community across the state.