“We are constantly looking for ways to improve the care delivered to our members. This program is compelling because it is driven by evidence-based pathways that include the guidance of local oncologists who understand the unique needs of those facing health challenges,” said Capital BlueCross President and CEO Bill Lehr.
“For too long our health care system has been built on paying for the volume of procedures rather than the quality of outcomes,” said Don Bradley, M.D., BCBSNC senior vice president and chief medical officer.
The award selections were based on the 2010 estimated cost-sharing comparisons conducted in over 120 cities during October 2009 by HealthMetrix Research Inc.
In a news release, MTQUA says that doctors also benefit from the service by knowing that a CIPA is managing their traveling patients lessens the worry of patients being left stranded during the course of treatment abroad, of getting the wrong sort of care or medications, or of having no follow up after they return home.
NCQA Wellness & Health Promotion Accreditation standards are purposely set high to encourage wellness and health promotion organizations to continually enhance their quality measures. No other comparable evaluation exists for wellness and health promotion programs.
“We expect to see innovative pilot programs which incorporate provider effectiveness as part of future provider payment reform,” Salls added.