Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Atlantic Health System are seeing early success in their payer-provider shared accountability program, under which the organizations have agreed to tie payments for health care services directly to outcomes in achieving quality and cost goals.

This arrangement has resulted in a reduction of more than 9 percent in unnecessary hospitalizations and, correspondingly, better overall health outcomes for those involved. Furthermore, these efforts to improve quality and the consumer experience have resulted in a 5 percent reduction in the total cost of care for patients and members in its first year.

Read more at NJ Biz.