A message from Dr. William Beecroft Understanding the link between opioid use and suicide September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on this growing public health concern and what can be done about it. Dr. Beecroft examines the link between opioid use and suicide, our ongoing efforts to battle the opioid epidemic and the increase in suicide among youth. Read more.
Quality and affordability
A message from Steve Anderson Here’s an update on our value-based contracting efforts We continue to work closely with hospitals to develop value-based contracts that reward hospitals that are delivering exceptional value to the patient populations they serve. Read more.
Clinical Quality Initiative statistics show that physicians continue to improve quality New statistics show that physicians participating in our Physician Group Incentive Program have made significant quality improvements over the past two years. Read more.
Michigan Value Collaborative: Improving post-acute care after joint replacement Achieving a goal can be daunting. But the Michigan Value Collaborative achieved its goal related to inpatient post-acute care rates following joint replacement surgery ahead of time. Read more.
Blue Cross shares COVID-19 initiatives on a national stage Dr. Karolina Skrzypek, a medical director in Provider Engagement, spoke at a national webinar about how our Physician Group Incentive Program and Collaborative Quality Initiatives played a role in helping primary care practices cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
Expansion of inpatient acute care admissions process continues As part of our efforts to improve the way we process inpatients acute care admissions and reduce health care costs, we’re expanding the list of facilities included in the current inpatient acute care admissions authorization process. Read more.
Mind-body connection
Guest column from J. Bruce Hillenberg, Ph.D. Pain psychologists can help patients cope more effectively with pain Acute and chronic pain challenge patients and health care providers across all medical specialties. To help meet this challenge — and achieve effective, value-based pain care — pain psychologists recommend an integrated approach. Read more.
Battling the opioid epidemic
Free waiver training opportunities offered Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, in conjunction with the Michigan Opioid Collaborative, the Michigan Center for Clinical Systems Improvement and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, continues to offer free medication-assisted treatment waiver training in a webinar format to health care providers. Read more.
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