Detroit-based Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Grand Rapids, Mich.-based subsidiary Blue Care Network joined forces with eight physician organizations to launch the High Intensity Care Management program for 2,500 elderly Medicare Advantage patients who have six or more chronic conditions, according to Crain's Detroit Business.
The program aims to reduce costs and improve outcomes for Medicare Advantage patients in southeast Michigan and Grand Rapids by coordinating care between primary care providers, specialty physicians, advanced practice nurses, social workers and other healthcare providers. The program is an extension of BCBS' existing health management resource, Blue Health Connection. High Intensity Care Management services will be offered in participating physician offices, nursing homes and patient homes.
One of the participating organizations, Rochester, Mich.-based MedNetOne Health Solutions, found home visits particularly effective in reducing costs during a month-long test of the program on 70 Medicare seniors, according to the report.
Qualified patients will be identified and voluntarily enrolled in the program in its early stages. Warren, Mich.-based Physician Alliance has plans to enroll 300 seniors in the next months, according to the report.
Other participating physician organizations, all based in Michigan, include Greater Macomb PHO in Clinton Township, Advantage Health Physicians in Grand Rapids, Integrated Health Associates in Ann Arbor, Lakeshore Health Network in Muskegon, Oakland Southfield Physicians in Southfield, and United Physicians, located in Bingham Farms.
BCBCM and Blue Care Network created two new codes to help physician organizations bill and pay for home visits and additional administrative costs generated by the program, according to the report.
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