Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan launches ‘SmartER’ initiative

Routine cases of the flu, minor sprains or other minor conditions all need some medical attention, but they’re usually not life-threatening. Yet people sometimes go directly to the hospital emergency room for such conditions when they should contact their primary care doctor first. According to a recent study by Truven Health Analytics, 50 percent of ER visits are potentially avoidable and could be treated in a primary care setting.

That’s why the Blues recently kicked off an initiative called “SmartER.” It’s designed to help ensure that patients receive the right care in the right location.

Other key aspects of the initiative include:

• Stressing the importance of a doctor-patient relationship
• Focusing on quality of care, cost and wait time concerns

In addition, patients who regularly see their primary care doctor are better able to manage chronic conditions — conditions that may worsen and require an ER visit if not managed properly.

Over the next several months, BCBSM will be communicating with our members to give them information that will help them select the best location to get care.

We encourage you to discuss with your patients what a real emergency is, along with their options for non-emergency situations. These can range from scheduling a same-day appointment with their primary care doctor to going to an urgent care center if it’s after hours or if quick, non-emergent, medical attention is needed.

With your support, we can help reduce delays for people who are in need of immediate care in an ER setting and help ensure that all patients get high-quality care in the best location.