Independence Blue Cross's primary care doctor network now has more than 300 'medical homes'

Independence Blue Cross announces it has exceeded 300 recognized medical homes in its southeastern Pennsylvania network and now has one of the highest concentrations of medical homes in the nation. 

Independence was among the first and most ardent supporters of the region's first medical home program launched by the state of Pennsylvania in 2008. In 2010, six percent of Independence's membership was served by primary care doctors who had transformed their practices into medical homes. Today that number is 43 percent and continues to grow. 

Independence is a market leader in offering a direct financial incentive to any primary care office which becomes recognized as a patient centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence has provided more support for medical homes than any other health plan in the region. Independence is also very proud to work with some of the most respected teaching hospitals in the region to ensure that young physicians in their residency programs are trained in this high value model of primary care.

Medical homes are unique in many ways, but the most significant are the more coordinated and personalized care patients receive. For example:

• More efficient scheduling systems allow patients to receive attention when they need it rather than waiting days for the next open appointment.
• Care managers and nurse educators communicate with patients between appointments to make sure scheduled tests and consultations occur and medications are being taken as prescribed.
• Information systems are in place to help doctors know about the care their patients receive outside of their offices and help keep track of care that patients are due to receive.
• Patients are able to more effectively communicate with their doctor and primary care office.