Duke Health and Aetna have announced a new multi-year agreement that ensures Aetna Commercial and Medicare Advantage members will continue to have in-network access to all Duke Health locations and providers. The partnership aims to maintain affordable, high-quality care for patients in North Carolina.
Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Duke University Health System, stated, “Throughout this negotiation, we have remained committed to our nonprofit mission of serving the best interests of our patients and community. We came to the table together to reach an agreement that covers the cost of care. Our agreement with Aetna prioritizes efficiency, promotes high quality care and helps drive down health care costs.”
Amelia Lee, Aetna Vice President of Network for the Southeast Region, commented on the renewed partnership: “Duke Health is a valued partner in delivering high-quality, convenient care to Aetna members in North Carolina. We look forward to continuing to work together to meet the needs of our shared members and patients.”
The organizations said they will also explore new opportunities focused on population health and value-based care as part of their ongoing collaboration.
Owens added, “We came together to do what is best for patients and worked together to make this positive outcome possible. Patients and families will continue to have access to the Duke Health doctors and care teams they know and trust.”
Patients who may have rescheduled or canceled appointments are encouraged by Duke Health officials to contact their provider’s office about resuming care.
Duke University Hospital is located in Durham, North Carolina. It was established in 1925 and serves as both a treatment center—with over 41,000 patient admissions reported in 2022—and a training hospital under current president Craig T. Albanese.
