General News
Published August 12, 2019
Premera Blue Cross and Vera Whole Health announced a collaboration to open two advanced primary care centers in Spokane. The centers will offer Premera members more access to primary care, an improved approach to their healthcare, and a better customer experience.
The first of the two care centers opens January 1, 2020, 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.
“We are 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. “Our goal is simple: to delight our customers by creating a better overall experience--one they have come to expect from other industries but has been sorely lacking in health care.”
Care center experience
Among the innovative and member-friendly features to be offered at the centers:
- Access to multiple, full time, dedicated care teams
- 30- to 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 when outside of care center hours
- Clear and easy to understand pricing
- On-site prescription fills, lab work, radiology, x-rays, and representatives to answer health insurance and health care questions
- Behavioral health and lifestyle coaching
FAQ
| Why is Premera launching Vivacity Care Center? |
Spokane has been designated a Health Professional Shortage Area for primary care by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. This means that the Spokane area has a population-to-provider that is greater than 3,500 to 1. So, it is no surprise that our Spokane members told us they often face long waits to see a primary care physician. Vivacity Care Center not only addresses this shortage by providing an exclusive integrated care center for our members, but it thoughtfully reimagines the model for a positive customer experience. |
| Why is Premera partnering with Vera Whole Health? |
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. |
| Will Vivacity Care Center be an in-network provider? |
Vivacity Care Center will be an in-network provider for Premera, Medicare Advantage, and Federal Employee Program members regardless of their Premera health plan or provider network. |
| What’s the cost? |
Vivacity Care Center will be an in-network provider for Premera members, offering high-quality primary care at a fair cost. Cost will depend on the member’s health plan and its benefit design. |
| How many providers will this facility have? |
When fully operational, each Vivacity Care Center will employ up to 40 people, including doctors, nurses, behavioral health professionals, health coaches, medical assistants, administrative staff, and radiology technicians. |
In the news
Read the press release about Vivacity Care Center.