ThedaCare, a five-hospital and 22-clinic health system based in Appleton, Wis., will join Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's Blue Priority, the payer’s accountable care organization (ACO) network, effective June 15.

Launched in 2012 around Aurora Health Care’s more than 1,500 physicians, 15 hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, surgery centers and other services, Blue Priority is designed to offer a high-quality health care experience that improves outcomes and controls costs. Providers in the Blue Priority network exchange clinical health data, co-manage patient cases, and establish quality benchmarks in order to enhance health outcomes while eliminating inefficiencies.  Also added to the Blue Priority network are several medical specialties and practices in the Fox Valley area affiliated with ThedaCare facilities.

"We are extremely excited to add ThedaCare to the Blue Priority network,” Larry Schreiber, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin, said in a statement. “Blue Priority providers have demonstrated a special commitment to high quality, coordinated patient care that we believe is the model for the future of health care in our country. The addition of ThedaCare’s professionals and facilities will allow even more businesses and individuals the opportunity to experience the benefits of Blue Priority.”

Blue Priority members currently have in-network access to all Aurora Health Care providers and facilities, select independent providers and specialty care at Children’s Hospital. Once ThedaCare formally joins Blue Priority, in-network benefits will be expanded to include ThedaCare health care providers, services, clinics and facilities. Depending on the plan purchased, Blue Priority members may also have access to Blue Cross and Blue Shield contracted providers outside of Wisconsin at in-network rates, just as many Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members do today.