New Healthcare Model Emerges in Miami

In Miami, a new healthcare model — the ACO — rewards physicians for patient health, controlling costs

After suffering two heart attacks within one month in 1997, Robert Rivera sees a cardiologist regularly, and a nephrologist for an unrelated kidney disorder. But it’s his primary care physician, an internist, whom Rivera trusts most.

“I wouldn’t change him for anything in this world,’’ says Rivera, 71, who lives in South Miami-Dade County and works in the financial industry. “He sees me every three to four months, and he’s been doing this for 16 years.’’

Rivera, a Medicare beneficiary, coordinates all of his medical care through his internist, who referred all the specialists, and he now receives the kind of comprehensive treatment that he never experienced before the two heart attacks, including regular preventive screenings, management of his blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and convenient access to his doctors.

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Source: Miami Herald

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/20/3511705/in-miami-a-new-healthcare-model.html#storylink=cpy

ead more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/20/3511705/in-miami-a-new-healthcare-model.html#storylink=cpy