Partnerships Report Highlights How Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Physicians and Hospitals Are Working to Save Lives, Improve Care, Re...(e programsoperating in the state of Mich...),Health

The report cites a Value Partnerships initiative that has improved care for patients undergoing angioplasty. The initiative, known as the BCBSM Cardiovascular Consortium, has reduced hospital deaths by 27 percent and heart attacks by 19 percent, with savings estimated at $8 million annually statewide. The initiative inspired the creation of additional similar partnership programs to improve care in general/vascular surgery, bariatric surgery, cardiac surgery and breast cancer treatment.

"Our results show just what can be achieved when hospitals cooperate, rather than compete, in a joint effort aimed at improving care," said Mauro Moscucci, M.D., University of Michigan Health System cardiologist and BCBSM Cardiovascular Consortium director.

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association Keystone Center is another example of cooperation between the Blues and hospitals to improve care for state residents. In 2006, BCBSM and the MHA announced an agreement for the Blues to fund new quality and safety initiatives for hospitals to be coordinated by the MHA Keystone Center. Work by hospitals across the state is under way for a MHA Keystone initiative aimed at reducing health care-acquired infections.

"Michigan hospitals have successfully pursued evidence-based approaches to further prevent infections," said Spencer Johnson, MHA president. "MHA Keystone Center has a proud tradition of bringing clinical experts together and uses rigorous measurements to assure effective change."

"This initiative is first of several that we intend to undertake as part of this partnership with MHA Keystone to look at areas where improvement can have a positive impact on the greatest number of patients," said Robert Milewski, Blues senior vice president for contracting and hospital relations.

The report also looks at the Blues' Physician Group Incentive Program, another Value Partnerships initiative to improve
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