Hamden’s Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, following in the footsteps of other Connecticut health insurers, said Wednesday that it will begin to incentivize doctors who more actively coordinate and manage their patients’ care across the health care system.Â
As part of the patient-centered primary care program, Anthem will collaborate with primary care physicians on information sharing and care management coordination and provide doctor’s an opportunity to share in the savings generated by the improved efficiencies.
Hartford health insurer Aetna launched a similar program earlier this week.
The patient -centered medical home is a model of care that is considered a key aspect of health care reform. The idea behind it is to use primary care physicians as central figures in coordinating patient care among specialists, hospitals and other health care providers. It requires doctors to improve access to care, increase preventive care services, and employ care coordinators, among other things.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance sets medical home standards and also designates physicians who meet those standards.
Over time, physicians participating in Anthem’s new program will be able to benefit from the following:
— Shared saving payments for quality outcomes and reduced medical costs.
— Payment for “non-visit” services currently not reimbursed, with a focus on compensation for preparing care plans for patients with multiple and complex conditions.
