Horizon BCBSNJ Launches Patient-Centered Pediatric Program that Puts Focus on Improving the Health of Children and Families

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey announced today that it is launching a new, family-focused program to improve the health of children. This is Horizon BCBSNJ’s first patient-centered program dedicated to pediatric care.

Horizon BCBSNJ’s new Patient-Centered Pediatric Program will initially benefit more than 100,000 pediatric members. More than 630 pediatricians and family practice doctors at over 110 practice locations throughout New Jersey will be participating in Horizon’s newest value-based initiative, which launches on January 1, 2014.

“Horizon’s Patient-Centered Pediatric Program is focused on improving care coordination and delivering better quality outcomes for more than 100,000 pediatric members and their families,” said Jim Albano, Vice President, Network Management and Horizon Healthcare Innovations at Horizon BCBSNJ.

This initiative was developed over the past year in close collaboration with pediatricians, family practice physicians, practice managers and leadership of the New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics.

“The NJ Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics enthusiastically applauds Horizon's innovative program to support investing in high quality pediatric patient/family-centered health care,” said Fran Gallagher, MEd, Executive Director, New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. “Pediatricians and parents of children with special health care needs alike have long recognized the need for comprehensive care coordination as a top priority in improving children's health outcomes -- this program makes it possible.”