Blue Cross Blue Shield accolade recognizes quality, cost-effective patient-centered care
The Bellin Health clinics in Iron Mountain and Escanaba, Mich. have been selected as Patient-Centered Medical Home designated practices by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
This designation acknowledges primary care physician offices that have made the most progress incorporating high-quality, cost-effective care that is centered around the patient. Designated practices meet patients’ needs by providing more individualized, whole-person care. This change in practice patterns has resulted in higher quality care with better outcomes and lower costs.
The Patient-Centered Medical Home model encourages and enables providers and their teams to help patients manage their health continually, rather than simply addressing needs once patients become sick or injured, said Amy Dettman, vice president of Bellin Health’s Physician Division.
“The PCMH approach benefits patients and the communities in which they live because the care is proactive, often stopping problems before they start,” Dettman said. “Keeping patients healthy and in their communities helps everyone live better, healthier lives,”
The nationally renowned PCMH program is currently in its 11th year. During that time, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has designated more than 4,700 physicians in 1,700-plus practices across Michigan as Patient-Centered Medical Homes. The model has led to more than $626 million in costs avoided. This is because of preventive and coordinated care that helps patients avoid emergency department visits and hospital stays.