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Hospital and Physician Update

March – April 2017

A message from Steve Anderson
We’re changing the way we process high-cost claims
Those of you who’ve read my columns before know that one of my pet topics is affordability. In particular, I’m focused on how Blue Cross can curb costs and increase value while providing better service for our provider partners, customers and members. Read more.

5 Michigan hospitals receive 5 stars in CMS’ Hospital Compare overall ratings
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released its Hospital Compare overall ratings, which uses 57 measures and calculates a “star” rating from one (worst) to five (best) for each hospital, in December. Read more.

CDC study highlights health issues in rural areas
Rural Americans are more likely to die from the top five causes of death — heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease and stroke — than their urban counterparts, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read more.

A message from Gary Vance, D.D.S., dental director, Specialty Products
Integrated wellness: What it means for dentistry
When we talk about integrated wellness in the Specialty Products area of Blue Cross, we’re talking about the body as one unit, not as a bunch of separate systems working independently. Read more.

Focus on pharmacy
Medication therapy management: a tool to help patients reach their treatment goals
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medication Therapy Management program for 2017 can help address the human and financial toll that medication non-adherence, improper medication use and adverse drug reactions can have on patients. Read more.

Guest column by Michael Lucido and Elissa Patterson
Motivational interviewing: a technique that promotes healthy behaviors
Why is it so difficult to help patients eat healthier, stop abusing alcohol and drugs, take their medicines regularly and maintain dietary recommendations? Even if they know their behaviors could harm them or even result in death, many patients continue engaging in risky behaviors. Luckily, we now have some communication techniques proven to help patients increase their commitment to making life-saving behavioral changes. Read more.

Q&A: What constitutes a behavioral health specialist?
Q. In the last several issues of Hospital and Physician Update, you mention “behavioral health specialist” or “behavioral health professional.” What type of provider are you referring to? Read more.

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