Our cardiovascular consortium is yielding positive outcomes, new numbers reveal

Recent statistics indicate the information-sharing efforts of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium, or BMC2,* are having a positive impact on patient care in Michigan.

The figures on the consortium's work, which BMC2 released late last year, include:

• A focus on readmissions,* resulting in a steady decline in readmissions after a percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI, at a rate of more than 1% annually from 2017 to 2023. The impact is estimated at 250 fewer readmissions.
• A 180% increase in rates of follow-up imaging after aneurysm repair from 2017 to 2023, identifying more at-risk patients.
• An 80% decrease in blood transfusions after transcatheter valve procedures between 2014 and 2023, reducing death and kidney injury.

Additionally, BMC2, care teams referred 90,000 PCI patients to cardiac rehab between 2020 and 2023, lowering their risk of readmission and death. 

The state of Michigan recently recognized BMC2 for its work.* In a special tribute signed by several state lawmakers, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the state referred to BMC2's "innovative spirit and unwavering dedication" as a pioneer in cardiovascular care.

Earlier this year, the consortium also received the prestigious 2023 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award* in the Local Level Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality category. BMC2 was recognized for documenting and decreasing radiation use and reducing opioid pill prescribing.

“We celebrate the many physicians, data abstractors, quality improvement leaders and countless others who contribute to BMC2’s success and improve care for patients not only in Michigan but nationally and globally,” said BMC2 Program Director Dr. Hitinder S. Gurm.

Background on BMC2

BMC2’s efforts to share challenges and success between facilities is unique to Michigan. It’s dedicated to improving quality of care and patient outcomes with BMC2’s work affecting nearly 30,000 patients treated by hundreds of physicians from more than 100 hospital teams in Michigan yearly.

The consortium provides educational opportunities, performs peer reviews to look at procedure appropriateness and quality, explores strategies to address health care disparities and works with a patient advisory council to create resources for patients and health care providers. This all leads to better patient care and cost savings for both patients and health care plans.

BMC2 comprises three multi-center quality improvement registries:

• PCI: Procedures that treat blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, including heart stenting.
• Vascular surgery: Conditions related to blood vessels, including:
• Peripheral vascular disease: Issues with blood flow in the arms, legs, and other parts of the body.
• Aneurysms: Weakened areas in blood vessels that can bulge or even burst.
• Carotid arteries: The main arteries that carry blood to the brain and head.
• The Michigan Structural Heart Consortium:* A collaboration between BMC2 and the Michigan Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, this consortium serves patients who undergo structural heart procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement and mitral valve and repair replacement procedures.   

BMC2 is one of 22 Collaborative Quality Initiatives,* which work to improve surgical and medical care in Michigan, sponsored by Blue Cross. The consortium also includes the Michigan Cardiac Rehab Network, which is in collaboration with fellow CQI, the Michigan Value Collaborative.*

*Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network don’t own or control this website.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.