The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and BCBS Plans are spearheading initiatives to assure their 100 million members receive safe, high-quality, coordinated, and affordable care. Blue initiatives use an interconnected approach involving:
37 Blue plans have more than 350 value-based programs in market or in development, with more than 215,000 particiapting providers providing care to nearly 24 million members.
237 ACOs in 41 states and D.C. with more than 93,000 physicians participating.
63 PCMH models in 48 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico with over 36,000 physicians participating.
So far, Wellmark BCBS’ ACOs have reduced hospital admissions by more than 20 percent.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association said providers in its Blue Distinction Total Care program—its network of value-based care programs including accountable care organizations and patient-centered medical homes—had 10% fewer emergency department visits and saw hospitalizations decline by 15% year-over year.
Wellmark BCBS’ ACOs have boosted health and wellness screenings:
- 7 percent better HbA1c testing for diabetes patients
- 5 percent better adherence to medications for patients with cardiovascular disease
Wellmark BCBS’ ACOs have delivered savings of more than $16 dollars per member per month.
There has also been an increase in preventive medicine, such as pediatric health screenings and immunizations. According to BCBSA, Total Care doctors, hospitals, and clinical teams are performing better than non-Total Care providers in 96% of the nationally-consistent, industry quality measures.