Patient provider communication has to improve for better healthcare outcomes.

Now, Aetna is officially part of CVS Health. The two companies have closed the $69 billion deal, finishing off a vertical merger, which has led to the making of one of the largest healthcare giants even larger.

The path ahead:

CVS Health President and CEO Larry Merlo said this is a transformative moment for the company and the industry.

This union will lead to combining the capabilities of the two leading organizations. They will transform the consumer health experience and build healthier communities through a new innovative healthcare model that is local, less expensive, easier to use and puts consumers at the center of their care.

Merlo reemphasized that the new company would have a community focus. It will simplify a complicated system.

The way ahead will aim at helping people achieve better health at a lower cost. Patients will benefit from earlier interventions as CVS integrates Aetna’s medical information and analytics.

The new offerings will focus on helping patients manage:

1) Chronic conditions

2) Expanding MinuteClinics

3) Rolling out new digital apps.