Lantern and Marathon Health Forge Alliance to Revolutionize Integrated Care
In a strategic move to address the pressing challenges of rising healthcare costs for employers, Lantern and Marathon Health have announced a collaboration that is set to redefine the landscape of integrated care. This partnership seamlessly merges Marathon’s advanced primary care model with Lantern’s specialty care expertise, aiming to streamline patient care, optimize cost management, and reduce unnecessary medical procedures.
Enhancing Patient Care and Cost Management
The collaboration allows Marathon Health customers who have yet to engage with Lantern to access its services, simplifying the process for employers. This integration is designed to offer a cohesive solution that addresses both primary and specialty care needs, which is increasingly critical in managing healthcare expenses.
Both companies initially collaborated on a pilot program concentrating on orthopedic care. The results were remarkable, with referrals to Lantern increasing by 37% to 100%. Moreover, Marathon’s referrals led to a 47% rise in completed or averted surgical procedures, showcasing the efficacy of the integrated model.
Insights from Leadership
In a discussion with Fierce Healthcare, Chris Pricco, CEO of Marathon Health, emphasized the shared mission of the partnership. He stated, “Lantern and Marathon have a very common philosophy when it comes to providing patients with the right care in the right type of service environment.” This sentiment underscores the commitment to ensuring that patients receive care in the most appropriate settings.
John Zutter, CEO of Lantern, highlighted the extensive network of providers under Lantern’s management, covering around 12 million members nationwide. He noted, “Through a high-integrity partnership like we have with Marathon, you can pass on the benefits of better utilization and a better, more seamless experience to the employer or member, and that’s exactly what we saw in the pilot.”
Cost Savings and Future Prospects
The pilot project demonstrated significant cost savings for employers, with an average of 53% savings compared to network rates for necessary procedures. This achievement is a testament to the potential financial benefits of the integrated model.
Looking ahead, the partnership aims to position primary care as the “front door” to essential specialty services. With Marathon’s numerous on-site employer clinics, there is a substantial opportunity to integrate patients into the system and connect them to Lantern’s specialized support.
Focus on Musculoskeletal Care
Initially, the partnership will focus on musculoskeletal care, a significant cost driver and priority area for employers. Lantern’s vast network in this domain provides Marathon’s physicians with the confidence to make informed referrals, enhancing the overall care experience.
Pricco stated, “This is exactly what our value proposition to our employers is about: strong primary care, good management of downstream specialty care and ensuring consumers understand what options they have.”
The integration of Lantern’s specialty care with Marathon’s primary care model is poised to offer a comprehensive and efficient healthcare solution for employers, promising improved outcomes and reduced costs.
For further details, the original announcement can be found Here.
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