Caravan Health, Tampa General Hospital, and USF Health team up to strengthen health care

Caravan Health, Tampa General Hospital (TGH), and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine have formed a new partnership to strengthen health care for the Tampa Bay community. 

The partnership will also include Tampa General Medical Group (TGMG), Florida Urology Partners, and other private physician groups. 

With more than 600 physicians serving Medicare patients, these organizations will come together as a Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) to provide coordinated, high-quality health care and greater cost efficiency.

“I’m excited to strengthen our relationship with USF Health and look forward to the benefits that this partnership, in collaboration with our private practice physicians, will bring our patients and our community,” said TGH President and CEO John Couris. “Caravan Health has demonstrated success in the Medicare ACO arena and can help us work together to support investments in primary care and our aligned physician network.”

“Our USF Health providers are ready to provide the necessary clinical input to ensure strong population health. Working with Caravan Health will help us develop the skills to make the most of value-based Medicare payment,” said Charles J. Lockwood, MD, dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and senior vice president for USF Health.

“Private physicians at Tampa General welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Tampa General and USF Health to bring top-quality health care to our patients in a smooth and efficient way,” said Dr. Ravi Bukkapatnam, president of Florida Urology Partners and TGH’s former chief of staff. “We appreciate that Caravan Health is helping to strengthen our partnership and the care that we deliver.”

Caravan Health is the leading population health management company for community health systems. In 2017, Caravan Health ACOs surpassed nationwide ACO performance with total savings of over $54 million and quality scores of 94 percent. Along with these savings for the Medicare program, Caravan Health ACOs earned shared savings of more than $15 million.

“We are honored to work with the highly talented clinical and administrative teams at Tampa General Hospital and USF Health. This partnership is the key to high quality care, strong physician relationships, and measurable cost savings,” said Lynn Barr, Caravan Health CEO and founder.