Under #BluePremier in 2019, @BlueCrossNC’s value-based care program, providers across 5 health systems & practices affiliated w/ @AledadeACO served 536,000 members.
These health care providers also generated an estimated $153 million through cost savings, quality improvements and slowing the rate of spending on health care. 👏👏
Transforming health care delivery and workflows is really hard work. The hard work paid off. This is a big deal.
For example, our Blue Premier health care providers collectively increased screenings for colorectal cancer (CRC) by an additional 3,041 members and controlled blood pressure for 13,412 more members than in 2018.
These efforts likely averted heart attacks, strokes and deaths – enhanced CRC screening translates to 800 additional life years for our members. These are outcomes that matter to our members.
These outcomes are also examples of what true payer-provider collaboration can achieve: higher quality, lower costs. 🤝
These results show us what’s possible when we change the way we pay for health care.
For us, this is also a moment of celebration amidst an especially somber and turbulent time in health care and in our country.
Value-based care as a payment system takes the long view on our partnership with health care providers and recognize that there are events (like a pandemic) that must be accounted for.
Building out this payment model offers more stability for health systems and independent practices, offering an off-ramp from pure fee-for-service payments.
For 2019 performance, @BlueCrossNC has made performance payments totaling $85 million to #BluePremier providers.
During a pandemic there can be glimmers of light. I am proud to announce that we have brought production of #N95 masks (beginning to end) to #NC. THREAD
The #MadeinNC collaboration will produce nearly 2 million N95 respirators per year to fill the unmet need for #NC frontline health providers during #COVID19.
Since the onset of #COVID19, demand for N95 respirators and other PPE has outpaced current global manufacturing capabilities. N95s are still scarce and many health organizations confront the issue of counterfeits and price gauging, among other obstacles.
We need to understand how it delivers value to patients by improving outcomes, quality, and affordability of care 2/
If the right hand is #telehealth, the left hand is #valuebased payment (including #PCPCapitation) - the method of how we pay matters a lot in motivating the behaviors we need to see in our delivery system. 3/
📣‼️Good news – we've extended the deadline to Aug 14th for the financial support program 💰for independent primary care practices (Accelerate to Value).
We've received a lot of great questions. Here are answers to the top 6 to help make the smart decision to apply:
THREAD
Q1: How is the Accelerate to Value application connected to joining a Blue Premier ACO?
Answer: These are two *separate* applications. Accelerate to Value is a program that gives you upfront payments 💰 to stabilize practice revenue during #COVID19.
The Accelerate to Value application is due August 14th ‼️
As part of this program, you will need to join a Blue Premier ACO by December 31, 2020. It’s a separate process with that ACO. You have the next 5 months to consider your options for Blue Premier ACOs to join.
We are on a mission to make health care better, safer, and more affordable by transforming the health care delivery system in North Carolina.
Step 1: Change the way we pay for health care.
One of our goals is that, by 2023, every @BlueCrossNC member will have a Blue Premier provider that is accountable for their total cost of care and quality. Accountable care = better care, better experience, more efficient care.
The primary goal for this program is to provide upfront financial support that can help independent primary care practices weather this crisis. To do so, we will provide supplemental payments 💰 to stabilize @BlueCrossNC revenue at its pre-COVID-19 level.
3 step breakdown:
Step 1: Eligible independent primary care practices need to apply for the program by July 31. The application is non-binding and takes less than 10 minutes. bluecrossnc.com/accelerate-val…
Behavioral health (BH) care is in crisis – but payers have the opportunity to shape a better future. Payment reform can create a #BH system that is flexible and responsive, especially during times like now. THREAD @Health_Affairs@HobbsKnutsonMDhealthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hbl…
The crisis:
⬆️Rising suicide rates
⬆️Increases in drug overdose deaths
⬇️Substantially lower life expectancy among people with serious mental illness
One major problem: Access to #BH care is limited.
1⃣There’s a shortage of #BH providers.
2⃣Many #BH providers don’t join insurance networks due to low reimbursement.
3⃣Evidence-based #BH treatments exist, but not enough providers deliver these interventions with fidelity.