Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan To Increase Reimbursement to Physicians Who Head ‘Patient-Centered Medical Homes’
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on Tuesday announced plans to designate and provide higher reimbursement to physicians whose practices participate in model care programs known as "patient-centered medical homes," the Detroit Free Press reports.A patient-centered medical home refers to physician practices that improve patient care through the help of health coaches, nurses, dietitians and others, as well as with coordinated electronic health records. The practices must focus on patient wellness, chronic disease management, reducing medical complications and improving access to care to prevent visits to the emergency department.
Under the program, BCBS beginning July 1 will increase payments by 10% to practices that act as medical homes. The insurer has provided $100 million over the last five years to create the system for 1,000 physicians at 300 primary care practices throughout the state. BCBS in mid-June will make public which physician practices meet the highest standards so that patients can seek out the best care (Anstett, Detroit Free Press, 4/21). This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
