WALTHAM, Mass. – Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), a division of Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE: FMS), announced today that it is joining forces with Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) in a new program designed to improve care and health outcomes for Humana’s members with end stage renal disease (ESRD).
Under the program, FMCNA, operating through its Fresenius Health Partners business, will implement its proprietary care coordination model to enhance the ability of these patients to obtain the health care services they need to address their illness and improve their quality of life.
Each patient will be supported by a collaborative team of local nephrologists and clinicians working in partnership with the Care Navigation Unit (CNU), FMCNA’s group of specialized nurses and service coordinators who provide 24/7 support and care coordination services. By focusing on the unique physical and emotional needs of each patient, the CNU foresees issues before they arise and helps patients, their families and their providers respond as they happen.
“Through this partnership, we will positively impact the overall medical care of Humana’s ESRD members who receive treatment within our dialysis centers, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they can access the care they need, when they need it,” said William McKinney, President of FMCNA’s Integrated Care Group. “Ultimately, we believe our coordinated approach to patient care will be a natural extension of Humana’s existing platform and can boost their patients’ health outcomes.”
“We look forward to applying our expertise in improving care coordination for chronic illnesses to the benefit of Humana’s members with ESRD, and to partnering with an organization that shares this dedication to clinical excellence,” said Bill Valle, FMCNA’s chief executive officer.
“We strive to help our chronically-ill members achieve their optimal health,” said Dr. Mark Steffen, Medical Director with Humana. “By working with Fresenius Medical Care to bring this highly specialized program to Humana’s medically-fragile members who need it most, we can help them experience more coordinated care that meets their needs and improves both health outcomes and quality of life as they move along their health care journey.”
FMCNA’s CNU has been quickly gaining national recognition for its ability to drive positive change in health outcomes for chronically ill populations.
About Fresenius Medical Care North America
Fresenius Medical Care North America is the premier health care company focused on providing the highest quality care to people with renal and other chronic conditions. Through its industry-leading network of dialysis facilities, outpatient cardiac and vascular labs, and urgent care centers, as well as the country’s largest practice of hospitalist and post-acute providers, Fresenius Medical Care provides coordinated health care services at pivotal care points for hundreds of thousands of chronically ill customers throughout the continent. As the world’s largest fully integrated renal company, it offers specialty pharmacy and laboratory services, and manufactures and distributes the most comprehensive line of dialysis equipment, disposable products, and renal pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit the FMCNA website at www.fmcna.com.
About Fresenius Health Partners
Fresenius Health Partners is the insurance component of Fresenius Medical Care North America specializing in intensive care coordination and disease management services for individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease or End Stage Renal Disease. Launched in 2006 and rapidly emerging as the recognized leader in providing comprehensive healthcare coverage for renal patients, Fresenius Health Partners works with government payors, private health plans and accountable care organizations to improve the health and outcomes of renal patients while at the same time reducing the total cost of their care. For more information on Fresenius Health Partners’ programs, including the Fresenius Seamless Care ESCOs, visit www.freseniushealthpartners.com.
About Humana:
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. The company’s strategy integrates care delivery, the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the country.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s website at www.humana.com, including copies of:
Media Contacts
Fresenius Medical Care North America
Jon Stone, 781-392-4680
jonathan.d.stone@fmc-na.com
or
Humana Inc.
Marina Renneke, 602-760-1758
mrenneke@humana.com