TULSA, Okla., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) announced today that it is enhancing its disease management program by working with Pfizer Health Solutions Inc (PHS) to help fight heart disease and diabetes. Heart disease is the leading cause of death nationwide -- and Oklahoma has the 2nd highest death rate from heart disease in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. Care managers will use PHS’ care management technology to provide customized care to members, educating them about their conditions with the goal of improving health outcomes.
Through this program, all members of a health care team (patient, physician, care manager and administrator) work together to create a tailored care plan for each patient. This coordinated approach encourages patients to take control of their own health. For example, patients learn to improve their diet, incorporate exercise into their routine and follow medication guidelines.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is implementing this preventive care program to help its at-risk members take an active role in managing the impact of heart disease and diabetes on their daily lives,” said Dr. Robert McCullough, medical director, quality assurance/quality improvement, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “This program will enhance communication among doctors, care managers and patients, strengthen patient-physician relationships and help improve health outcomes for heart disease and diabetes patients.”
The care management program is currently available to group and individual BlueLincs HMO and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma plan members. By analyzing claims, pharmacy and demographic data, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma will identify members at risk of congestive heart failure and offer them the chance to participate in this program.
“Through this program, Pfizer Health Solutions and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma will give eligible members access to new resources and technology that promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention,” said PHS Vice President John Sory. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a leader in healthcare benefits, and we look forward to a long-term relationship supporting their members.”
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is an independent, Oklahoma-owned not-for-profit organization, providing benefit plans for nearly 850,000 Oklahomans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans.
About Pfizer Health Solutions
Created in 1995, Pfizer Health Solutions Inc (PHS) is the care management subsidiary of Pfizer Inc that merges innovative technology applications with clinical care. PHS develops and implements unique solutions that help achieve improvements in the quality of care delivery and in the operating efficiency of large health plans. To learn more, visit http://pfizerhealthsolutions.com/.
Pfizer Health Solutions Inc
CONTACT: Amy Delmore of Pfizer Health Solutions Inc, +1-212-733-0248;Linda Sponsler of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, +1-918-592-9401
Web site: http://pfizerhealthsolutions.com/
