Group of doctors and business people
September – October 2021
Top story
What are Medicare Star Ratings and why do they matter?
Let’s take a look at how Star Ratings affect patients, health care providers and health plans. Read more →
Behavioral Health
A message from Dr. William Beecroft, medical director of behavioral health
We need to increase our efforts to combat suicide
September is National Suicide Prevention Month — a time to bring additional awareness to this growing public health crisis. Read more →

New method of obtaining emergency crisis assessment for psychiatric issues, treatment coming
Starting Oct. 1, 2021, we’ll begin covering mobile crisis and crisis stabilization services. Read more →
Quality and affordability
Blue Cross launches 2 new CQIs: MIBAC, MCT2D
New Collaborative Quality Initiatives are expected to improve outcomes for two widespread conditions — low back pain and Type 2 diabetes. Read more →

Here are lessons learned from Mi-COVID19 Initiative
We’ve got some new information about how the Mi-COVID19 Initiative has played a key role in Michigan’s response to the pandemic. Read more →

Data from trauma CQI used by automaker to improve pedestrian safety
The Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program is supplying data that could affect pedestrian safety throughout Michigan, the U.S. and eventually the world. Read more →
Other news and information
A message from Dr. S. George Kipa, deputy chief medical officer
The challenges of being a ‘virtual medical director’ in the age of COVID
Dr. Kipa explains what a Blue Cross medical director does and how COVID-19 created additional challenges for those who serve in that capacity. Read more →

In brief: Pharmacy benefit change, care management and life expectancy
In this edition’s “In brief” feature, we take a look at the transition to a new pharmacy benefit manager, our care management program and the decline in life expectancy in the U.S. Read more →

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