August 15, 2019
Premera and Vera Whole Health announced they are collaborating to open two advanced primary care centers in Spokane, offering Premera members more access to primary care, an innovative approach to their healthcare, and a better customer experience.
The first of the two care centers opens January 2 at 9001 N. Country Homes Blvd., with a second center to open in mid to late 2020. The centers will operate under the name Vivacity Care Center. They are part of a growing trend of health insurance companies integrating primary care into health plans in order to expand options for members and their families.
“We’re taking this bold step to build more primary care facilities in Spokane because we believe no one should have to wait months to see their care provider or feel rushed once they are in the office,” said Dr. John Espinola, executive vice president of health care services for Premera.
Among the innovative and member-friendly features to be offered at the centers:
- Access to multiple, full-time, dedicated care teams
- 30-60 minute appointments for whole health exams
- Up to 40 percent of scheduling time reserved for same or next day appointments
- 24-7 phone and video access to doctors outside care center hours
- Clear and easy to understand pricing
- One stop shopping that includes prescription fills, lab work, radiology, X-rays, and representatives to answer health insurance and health care questions
- Behavioral health and lifestyle coaching
When fully operational each center will employ up to 40 people, including doctors, nurses, behavioral health professionals, health coaches, medical assistants, administrative staff and radiology technicians.
Premera is collaborating with Seattle-based Vera for a number of reasons, including Vera’s proven clinical model, high member engagement and satisfaction, and their experience in the Washington market. The company also is the first on-site care center provider in the United States to earn a Certificate of Validation by the Validation Institute® for sound population health cost management.
Vera Whole Health will serve as a strategic and clinical collaborator with Premera. The centers were designed following months of hands-on collaboration with Spokane consumers to deliver member-focused personalized care. The two organizations are focusing on primary care because evidence shows that people who visit their family doctors regularly are healthier and have fewer emergency room visits.