Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/125940
confusing health care system that many people don't understand into one that is more consumer- or patient-driven." Pinnacle Health seeks several qualities in the physicians, hospitals and others in the medical community who become Preferred Providers: + Emphasize local delivery and local decision making by providers who live and practice in the same communities as their patients + Build long-term partnerships between physicians, hospitals and self-funded employers as a cornerstone of U.S. health care + P rov ide ser v ices at a ma rketcompetitive cost + Deliver high-qua lit y hea lt h care services "We want to have a relationship with them for the long term," Brough says of Preferred Providers. "And we're trying to find the highest-quality, most costeffective providers." Pinnacle Perks Cards To ease the connection between patients and caregivers, Pinnacle Health features health care smart cards that combine a wealth of health care information with a system of redeemable points patients can earn with each visit to a preferred provider. "It rewards patients for living a more healthful lifestyle and making more costefficient health care choices," Brough says of the Pinnacle Perks cards' value to patients. "But where they go for care is always patients' choice." Once earned, Pinnacle Perks points are redeemable for several goods and services, including apparel, books and music. Based on technology used by millions of patients in Europe, Pinnacle Perks cards also include a range of patient information that is useful to providers and helps them offer an improved level of care. Pi n nac le Per ks c ar d + free membership for patients + access to Pinnacle Health's network of Preferred Providers + Pinnacle Health Preferred Providers include Bayada Home Health Care, Cape Medical supply, Coastal sleep Diagnostics, Gentiva, new england Baptist Hospital, Physicians of Cape Cod, and shields Health Care Group. + smart card technology securely stores personal health information, medication history and other patient information. "The cards become a communication link for caregivers to securely share key patient data, such as medication histories," explains Brough. "There are at least four levels of security that need to be cleared to read the card, so it protects patients' information and privacy." The personal health record on Pinnacle Perks cards can be shared, at the patient's choosing, with other health care providers within the smart card program, thus improving care quality through the sharing of consistent, physician-updated information. Patient membership in the Pinnacle Perks program is free of charge and available to anyone, regardless of health status or insurance coverage. "The cards make it fun for patients," says Brough. Provider benefits With health care reform focusing on cost-cutting and patient choice, providers are likely to face new competitive pressures across the board, including competition for patients. Brough says connecting patients with health care providers is one of the prime benefits of Pinnacle Health's Preferred Providers program and Perks cards. "Directing our patients to Preferred Providers increases their patient volume," he says. "It improves their business. It should be a win for both sides." For more information about Pinnacle Health Preferred Providers and Pinnacle Perks cards, please call (508) 480-0475 or visit www.pinnacleperks.com. ■ mdnEwS.COm ■ MD News Greater Boston |7