How Aetna and CVS Health are delivering a new model of integrated care

You may have heard the term “integrated health care” and wondered how it relates to you. In the U.S., most people get their health care from different places. For example, your medical benefits come from one place, prescriptions from another, and your care delivery from a different program. But with health care integration, we bring all these programs together under one umbrella.

Aetna^® and CVS Health^® are offering a new model of integrated care. With over 10,000 pharmacy locations and a wide network of health care providers, we’re giving you care that is simple, affordable and community based. Working together, we can have a real-time picture of your health to give you customized advice and care in whatever location is best for you. “We now have a complete health care ecosystem, which allows us to improve communication across different services,” says Lorna Danko, Sr. Director, Pharmacy Delivery and Innovation at CVS Health. “We can combine clinical data through all our channels to create a more personalized approach for each member,” she adds.

Convenient and seamless care

Let’s use an example to help better understand the Aetna and CVS Health experience. Louisa is a member with type 2 diabetes who has been having a hard time managing her symptoms. On her way home from work one evening, she stops by her local CVS Pharmacy^® to pick up her prescription for back pain. Her pharmacist, who has records of her health history, tells Louisa about the importance of checking her blood glucose levels (an A1C test) often. He also talks to Louisa about diet and exercise options that could help manage her condition.

Louisa’s been so busy with work lately that she has not had time to schedule an appointment with her primary care doctor. But the pharmacist suggests that she get her A1C blood testing done right there at the MinuteClinic^®.

Louisa follows his advice. Based on the test results, her pharmacist suggests changing some of her medications. He also tells Louisa about some of the other diabetes screenings available on-site, such as foot exams and diabetic retinopathy checks.

This example is one of many that shows how Aetna and CVS Health are making health care more simple, convenient and affordable.

Using data for smarter connected care

At Aetna and CVS Health, we use data to improve your health care and help you save money. “Through data-driven insights, we’re empowering you to make better health care decisions for yourself,” says Rahul Kak, Executive Director, Behavior Change Marketing at Aetna. 

We do this by sending messages that are tailored for your health needs. This may be via mobile apps, email, texts or phone calls. “We use advanced analytics to inform what is the most relevant information to send to you, at a time when it’s most relevant,” adds Kak. For example, if your doctor orders some blood tests or imaging, you may receive a text that tells you about local in-network laboratories. Or if you’re leaving a hospital stay, you may get a call or message from a care manager for tips on returning home, or from your local pharmacist to discuss any changes to your medications. Other messages remind you to get your flu shot or to get your annual check-ups.

We’re also using the power of data to help get you the best care you need. Some patients with conditions like chronic kidney disease or endometriosis can go years without a diagnosis. But using clinical data, we can predict if you’re at risk for these conditions and help you get treated more quickly.

A coordinated care team

With connected care, your care team has a full picture of your health. If you see a specialist for a specific condition, your information can be shared with your primary care doctor. They and other members of your care team use it to ensure that you’re getting the best care possible. “Our integrated care is ensuring that your experience is seamless and holistic and that the entire scope of your health and wellness is being addressed in a coordinated manner,” says Daniel Knecht, MD, MBA, Vice President of Clinical Product, CVS Health. 

We’re also bringing health care to you — to make it easier to get the care you need. Our MinuteClinic^® and CVS^® HealthHUB^® locations have health care providers on staff to treat minor illnesses such as pink eye or sore throats. They can even write prescriptions for you. And when you visit a location, your medical information is recorded and shared with your primary care provider. “We go above and beyond to make sure that the care that is offered or delivered in the CVS ecosystem is connected with your provider,” says Knecht.

As an Aetna member, here are some other new programs that you may be able to benefit from:

• At some of our CVS HealthHUB locations, we have a pilot program offering mental health screenings and care.
• If you are having a certain type of surgery, you may receive an oral health kit through the “Rush to Brush” program. This kit provides education about the importance of good oral health in avoiding hospital-acquired pneumonia, as well as items like a toothbrush and toothpaste for you to use during your hospital stay.
• At certain CVS retail locations, pharmacists can enroll eligible members to receive at-home colorectal cancer screening kits.

With Aetna and CVS Health, you’re getting a health care experience that is simple, more convenient and lower cost. Using our CVS HealthHUB locations and care managers, we deliver care designed just for you.