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P rimary care is where better health begins. It is where a doctor or nurse catches high blood pressure before it becomes a crisis, where someone with diabetes gets the support they need to stay on track, and where pre- vention becomes real for individuals and families in our communities. When primary care works well, patients feel it. So do employers, health plans, and the healthcare system as a whole. In Maine, strong primary care has never been more important. As one of the nation's oldest states by median age and home to many rural communities, Maine faces unique healthcare challenges. Pri- mary care providers play a critical role in helping patients stay healthy, manage chronic conditions, access care close to home, and avoid more serious health issues down the road. When primary care is strong, it can improve health outcomes, reduce avoidable hospital visits, and help make healthcare more affordable and accessible for individuals, fam- ilies, and employers alike. That is why it is so important to recognize the practices here in Maine that are setting the pace for high-quality, coordinated, pa- tient-centered care. T h i s y e a r , An t h e m n a m e d InterMed among the top-perform- ing care providers in the nation through our second annual Care Provider Recognition Program. The program honors the top 1% of pri- mary care providers in our nation- wide network for delivering the highest-quality care and exceptional patient experience. Honorees were selected based on achieving elite health outcomes measures such as preventive screenings, immuniza- tion rates, chronic disease manage- ment, medication adherence, and a commitment to continuous learning and clinical excellence. For Maine, this recognition is more than an award. It is a reminder that some of the best healthcare in the country is being delivered right here. Primary care practices do more than treat illness. They help prevent it. They coordinate across the health- care system. They build trust with patients over time. And they create a better experience for people trying to navigate a complex healthcare environment. As a healthcare system, we ask primary care physicians and care teams to do a lot. They manage rou- tine preventive care, help patients with multiple chronic conditions, address medication needs, coordi- nate referrals, and support people through life's everyday health chal- lenges. The strongest practices do all of that while keeping the patient at the center. When that happens, everyone benefits. Just as important, better coor- dination and prevention can help avoid unnecessary complications and lower healthcare costs over time. These are not abstract goals. They are the building blocks of healthier lives and a stronger healthcare system. That is why celebrating excellence in primary care is critical. Recognition shines a light on the physicians, nurses, and care teams who show up every day for their patients. It acknowledges the work being done to improve outcomes, enhance the patient experience, and strengthen the health of our communities. It also helps raise the bar across the healthcare system by encouraging continued innovation and quality improvement. This year's program is especially meaningful because it reflects grow- ing momentum. In its inaugural year, the Care Provider Recognition Program honored 19 providers across the country serving Medicare Advan- tage patients. This year, the program expanded to recognize 45 medical practices and health systems serving members with employer-sponsored, Medicaid, and Medicare health cov- erage. That broader reach allows us to spotlight more care providers who are making a measurable difference in the lives of the people they serve. InterMed exemplifies that kind of leadership. Through its commit- ment to coordinated, patient-cen- tered care, InterMed helps Maine patients access preventive services, manage chronic conditions, and navigate their healthcare journeys with confidence. Their recognition reflects the dedication and exper- tise of the physicians, nurses, and care teams who work every day to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve. As healthcare leaders, we should take time to celebrate excellence when we see it. InterMed's recog- nition demonstrates the value of investing in high-quality prima- ry care and the impact it can have on patients, communities, and our healthcare system as a whole. InterMed deserves to be celebrat- ed. Please join us in congratulat- ing their team on this outstanding achievement. S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T Why Strong Primary Care Matters in Maine Learn more at anthem.com/healthcareinmaine By Denise Smith, Health Plan President for Anthem's Government Business in Maine, Connecticut and New Hampshire "This year, Anthem named InterMed among the top-performing care providers in the nation through our second annual Care Provider Recognition Program." C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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