Strength—and Savings—in Numbers

Date: March 1, 2014

This year, the Johns Hopkins Medicine Alliance for Patients (JMAP) will begin caring for 35,000 Medicare beneficiaries through a new network that combines Johns Hopkins hospitals with primary and specialty care practices from within the health system as well as the outside community.

By forming JMAP, Johns Hopkins Medicine has joined a national movement that encourages doctors, hospitals and other health care providers to create networks that can improve patient care and reduce health care costs.

The new venture includes Columbia Medical Practice, Potomac Physician Associates and Cardiovascular Specialists of Central Maryland. “This is a historic move,” says Paul Rothman, dean of the medical faculty and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine. “We believe these partnerships will enrich JMAP’s scope and effectiveness.”

William Baumgartner, senior vice president of the Office of Johns Hopkins Physicians, and Patricia Brown, senior vice president of managed care and population health and president of Johns Hopkins HealthCare, directed the development of the new accountable care organization and co-chair its board. Cardiologist Scott Berkowitz, medical director of accountable care for Johns Hopkins Medicine, is executive director, and Matthew Poffenroth is the medical director.

JMAP will use analytical tools, evidence-based protocols and best practices to identify those patients at greatest risk. Linda Dunbar, vice president of population health and care management at Johns Hopkins HealthCare, will collaborate with physicians to develop and execute care plans.

—Staff report

ACO: A network of doctors and hospitals that shares responsibility to improve care and reduce spending. Providers get paid more if they keep their patients well.

More on Johns Hopkins Medicine’s ACO: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/JMAP