Partnerships Report Highlights How Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Physicians and Hospitals Are Working to Save Lives, Improve Care, Re...(quality and efficiency andeliminate unne...),Health

"With the complexity of today's health care system, it's important for everyone to pull together to improve health care, access to quality health care and cost-effectiveness," said Paul Ponstein, D.O., medical director of Westshore Health Network in West Michigan and an original PGIP member whose commentary on the program is included in the report.

"By bringing together physicians from across the state, we're able to network, problem-solve and share best practices," said Kevin Taylor, M.D., medical director of Ann Arbor-based Huron Valley Physicians Association and an active PGIP participant.

The report also spotlights the shared goal of the Blues and physicians throughout the state to improve access to health care through the support of activities such as free clinics. It profiles Susan Schooley, M.D., who sees patients as a volunteer at Detroit's St. Frances Cabrini Clinic. The clinic receives funding through Blues' grant programs.

Schooley explains, "What makes this special is the almost painful awareness that if I and the other volunteers weren't doing this, no one would be. We are the safety net below the safety net below the safety net."

Cabrini is one of 32 free clinics statewide that received a Blues grant in 2007 as part of the company's social mission to improve access to health care. Since 2005, the Blues have provided $3 million in support of Michigan's free clinics.

Another area of partnership involves technology. The Blues have created new tools to help physician offices track and process medical claims and are working with physician offices who have become early adopters of the technology.

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