SOUTHFIELD, Mich., June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Care Network of Michigan’s diabetes management program was recognized as one of the best in the nation at the recent America’s Health Insurance Plans Foundation’s Excellence in Health Care Awards Dinner in Chicago. The program, which is popular with members and physicians, won an honorable mention in the National Exemplary Practice Award category.
BCN has 22,000 members in its diabetes program, both adult and children. Members diagnosed with diabetes are automatically enrolled in the program and initially receive an orientation package with information about the disease. Through quarterly newsletters, members learn about diabetes, its symptoms and treatment, and how to live healthier lives by improving glycemic control and minimizing complications. Patients also receive ongoing reminders to get their screening tests.
For the member’s primary care physician, information is provided about nationally recognized standards of care for people with diabetes, and member- specific data is sent saying when tests are due.
Strong results from the program include a 19 percent reduction in hospital admissions per thousand in 2003 compared with 2002, and a 16 percent decrease in hospital admissions per thousand for patients with myocardial infarction- related events. There also was a 13 percent increase in members’ glycemic control.
These positive outcomes result from the work of a multidisciplinary team that includes disease management specialists, case managers, doctors, pharmacists, health educators, quality management nurses, data analysts and communication specialists. BCN was the first commercial HMO to receive NCQA accreditation for its disease management programs.
Blue Care Network of Michigan has the largest HMO network of physicians and hospitals in the state, with more than 3,000 primary care physicians, 6,600 specialists and 120 hospitals. Blue Care Network is the HMO affiliate of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For further information, visit http://www.bcbsm.com/bcn .
Blue Care Network
CONTACT: Helen Stojic, +1-313-225-8113, or Jon Ogar, +1-517-322-4320,both of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan