Horizon BCBSNJ’s 2013 Study Results Demonstrate Patient-centered Program Improves Patient Care and Lowers Costs

New study findings released today confirm that Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s patient-centered program is working to improve the coordination of care and lower costs. The 2013 patient-centered study is the largest to date and includes more than 200,000 Horizon BCBSNJ members. Patient-centered care is an innovative approach that focuses on delivering better quality outcomes, a better patient experience and lowering the cost of care.

“Our most recent study results clearly demonstrate the value of the patient-centered model, which will continue to improve and transform health care in New Jersey,” said Jim Albano, Horizon BCBSNJ’s Vice President of Network Management and Horizon Healthcare Innovations. “The results also demonstrate the commitment of our participating doctors, nurses and care teams, and we look forward to expanding these efforts to benefit more of our members.”

The 2013 study of claims data for more than 200,000 Horizon BCBSNJ members in participating patient-centered doctors’ offices shows that patient-centered practices are performing better than traditional practices in a number of clinical metrics. The study compares members in traditional primary care practices with those practices participating in Horizon BCBSNJ’s Patient-Centered Medical Home Program and found that patient-centered members had a: 

• 14 percent higher rate in improved diabetes control.
• 12 percent higher rate in cholesterol management.
• 8 percent higher rate in breast cancer screenings.
• 6 percent higher rate in colorectal cancer screenings.

The study also shows that more active care is being provided at a lower cost, as Horizon BCBSNJ members in patient-centered practices had a:

• 4 percent lower rate in emergency room visits.
• 2 percent lower rate in hospital admissions.
• 4 percent lower cost of care for diabetic patients.
• 4 percent lower total cost of care.