By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-765619.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Independent Health has named cardiac valve surgery at Kaleida Health the insurer's first "Program of Excellence."
Cardiac valve surgery at Buffalo General and Millard Filmore Gates Hospitals meets or exceeds state benchmarks, based on a review of clinical data by Independent Health. And they say that means there's no reason to go outside the region for care.
Patients will now have to meet with a Kaleida physician before Independent Health will authorize so-called out of network coverage for cardiac valve surgery. Treatment options locally are less expensive for insurers. But Kaleida President and Chief Executive Officer James Kaskie said there is no need for patients to go anywhere else because Kaleida provides top care.
And Kaskie said that is a reputation that will grow beyond the region once a new Heart Center is built. He said state approvals and the HEAL grant are complete and additional funding is falling into place. Construction is expected to begin next March. And Kaskie said they are also building a strong foundation with the Erie County Medical Center for a strong consolidated health care system that will make them more competitive nationally. "It is a new day with our relationship between Kaleida and ECMC," said Kaskie.
He said conversations with the county, and physicians are also moving forward for clinical services planning. And he said they are working to develop a new brand so that the community will recognize them as one unified health system. He said the name for that parent company will be announced in October.
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