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September – October 2014

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

5 quality initiatives save $597 million, improve outcomes, reduce complications
We’ve taken a close look at five of our 15 Collaborative Quality Initiatives over a five-year period and here’s what we found. Read more.

Dr. George KipaA message from Dr. George Kipa
Telemedicine and e-visits: A closer look
In my last column on telemedicine in this newsletter, I asked readers to let me know what they thought of this new trend in medicine. I was gratified to hear from some enthusiastic proponents of telemedicine, who provided me with additional perspective on this emerging issue. Read more.

Steve AndersonA message from Steve Anderson
Moving forward with value-based reimbursement arrangements
We’re making good progress in our efforts to encourage more hospitals to participate in value-based reimbursement arrangements. In fact, since my previous column in the May – June issue of this newsletter, two additional hospital systems have signed on: University of Michigan Health System and Marquette General. Read more.

Additional specialty types eligible for PGIP fee uplifts in 2015
Effective Feb. 1, 2015, new physician specialty types will be eligible for fee uplifts through the Physician Group Incentive Program. The new specialty types eligible in 2015 include. Read more.

Clinical Quality Corner
Comprehensive diabetes care from a physician is critically important
This is part of a yearlong series of columns and accompanying tip sheets that focus on specific Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set measures. This month we’re focusing on the following HEDIS® measure: comprehensive diabetes care. Read more.

Focus on pharmacy
Upper respiratory infections often treated inappropriately with antibiotics
This monthly column focuses on topics related to medications and supplements, including medication adherence and efficacy, the use of medications to treat chronic diseases, medication safety and more.Read more.

In Brief
2014 Partners in Health Care Report now available
Want to know how we’re working with doctors and hospitals to improve health care quality and lower costs? Read more.
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