Regence BlueShield in Seattle, Wash. and the five-hospital MultiCare Health System in Tacoma, Wash. have teamed up to launch an accountable care program. The insurer and provider aim to further enhance care and bend the medical cost curve for people in the south Puget Sound region of the state. 

The initiative will include a shared incentive reimbursement arrangement for services at MultiCare hospitals and clinics, which will be aligned with increased focus on quality and patient care goals that are mutually agreed to by Regence and MultiCare.

“We are excited to partner with Regence to develop innovative care models that will enhance the quality of care for our patients,” Claire Spain-Remy, M.D., senior vice president for MultiCare Medical Associates, the physician/provider network for MultiCare, said in a statement.  “Our providers are committed to improving access to care, quality outcomes and efficiency. Our deep expertise with using the electronic health record to better coordinate care will be invaluable in this collaboration.”

Regence is currently developing additional collaborative arrangements with doctors and hospitals throughout the Northwest region, its officials say.