Fredericksburg, Va.-based Mary Washington Healthcare is partnering with physicians to implement a new program aimed at enhancing healthcare and reducing costs, according to fredericksburg.com.

Here are five things to know:

1. The program, The Mary Washington Health Alliance, helps nearly 400 independent physicians and MWHC coordinate patient care, share best practices and give follow-up for high-risk patients.
2. MWHC implemented the program last year on a limited basis, and has reduced the cost of care. So far this year, the total cost of care fell 3 percent to 4 percent, compared to 2014.
3. Healthcare spending throughout the United States has increased 4.4 percent this year.
4. In 2015, 15 physician groups switched over to a system owned by a subsidiary of MWHC with 15 more groups expected to switch over by the end of 2016.
5. The alliance currently includes Mary Washington Hospital's locations in Fredericksburg and Stafford County.