What's Happening?
Lantern and Marathon Health have announced a partnership to launch an integrated care management model that combines primary and specialty care services. This collaboration aims to streamline the patient care journey, manage costs more effectively, and reduce
unnecessary medical procedures. The partnership builds on a successful pilot program focused on orthopedic care, which resulted in a significant increase in referrals to Lantern and a notable reduction in surgical procedures. The integrated model allows Marathon clients to access Lantern's services, simplifying the process for employers. The initiative is designed to make primary care the entry point for accessing necessary specialty services, with a particular focus on musculoskeletal care, a major cost driver for employers.
Why It's Important?
This partnership is significant as it addresses the rising healthcare costs faced by employers by integrating primary and specialty care. By reducing unnecessary procedures and managing costs more effectively, the model offers potential savings for employers, who reported an average of 53% savings in the pilot program. The collaboration also enhances the quality of care by ensuring patients receive appropriate services in a timely manner. This approach could set a precedent for other healthcare providers and employers, emphasizing the importance of integrated care models in improving healthcare delivery and cost management.
What's Next?
The partnership will expand its focus on musculoskeletal care and will be available to employer clients this year. As the model is implemented, it is expected to attract more employers seeking to manage healthcare costs while improving employee health outcomes. The success of this initiative could lead to further collaborations between healthcare providers and employers, potentially expanding to other areas of specialty care. Stakeholders will likely monitor the outcomes closely to assess the model's effectiveness and scalability.
