Blue Care Network Best Practices Library
Blue Care Network is proud to celebrate provider practices that meet high standards for patient care. The practices featured in BCN Provider News from 2011 to 2015 are reprinted below by topic. The practices were selected because they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- These providers have exemplary outcomes in one or more of the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set® measures or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid star ratings that are used to rate our network for quality and effectiveness of care.
- These providers have implemented innovative methods for patient care in specific HEDIS measures or CMS star ratings.
- These providers have significantly improved their patient care in areas measured by HEDIS or CMS.
- These providers received high ratings in the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems® survey.
BCN commends its provider partners for doing their diligence in providing high-quality care to BCN members.
Adolescent immunizations
Allen Dumont, M.D., Ann Arbor
March–April 2012
Antidepressant medication management
Patient education and follow-up yields successful medication compliance for patients with depression
Babar Ahmad, M.D., Lansing
November–December 2011
Asthma medication compliance
Education and tracking ER use helps patients comply with asthma medications
Carmen Green-Lee, M.D., Ann Arbor
November–December 2013
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Follow-up visits critical for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Lynn Gessner, M.D., Brighton
July–August 2012
Brighton pediatrician shares treatment of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Mo El-Fouly, M.D., Brighton
September–October 2011
Breast cancer screening
Patient phone calls and staff involvement help keep mammogram rates high
George Bruins, M.D., Kentwood
March–April 2013
Childhood immunizations
Making sure children are immunized is a priority at Wyoming practice
Tiffany Letts, M.D., Wyoming
January-February 2014
Canton physician increases immunization rates by counseling patients
Sarah Lacy, M.D., Canton
March–April 2013
Chlamydia screening
Milan Family Medicine makes chlamydia testing an office routine
Maria Heck, D.O., Milan
March–April 2012
Cholesterol Screening
Detroit physician says cholesterol screening benefits all patients
Barry Braver, D.O., Detroit
July-August 2014
Diabetes care
Electronic medical records help track diabetic eye exams
Steven Bargwell, D.O., Cedar Springs
July-August 2014
Patient follow-up and education are critical for diabetes care in Eastpointe practice
Douglas Hames, M.D., Eastpointe
May–June 2013
Fowlerville Medical Center focuses on diabetic patients
Cecilia Ebert, R.N., Fowlerville
May–June 2011
Flu immunizations
Solo practitioner makes flu immunizations a priority for his patients
Corey Haber, D.O., Auburn Hills
September–October 2012
Follow-up after hospitalization for mental illness
Family-centered focus and coordinated mental health care can help reduce hospital readmissions
Kristin Mecklenburg, MA, LLP, Director of Clinical Services
Forest View Hospital, Grand Rapids
November-December 2012
Glaucoma screening
Riverbend Healthcare tracks glaucoma screenings
Sharon Geimer, M.D., Sterling Heights
May–June 2012
High blood pressure
Doctor in Fruitport provides education and support to patients with high blood pressure
Darrell Roelandt, D.O., Fruitport
March-April 2015
Ypsilanti doctor shares his treatment strategy for high blood pressure patients
R. David Brooks, D.O., Ypsilanti
July–August 2011
Imaging studies for low back pain
Appropriate use of imaging studies avoids aggressive treatment
Kenneth Bollin, M.D., St. Clair Shores
November–December 2011
Lead screening
Thorrez Medical Practice makes lead screening a priority
David Thorrez, M.D., Ypsilanti
March–April 2011
Osteoporosis
Emphasizing prevention is key to treating osteoporosis
Karen Walker, M.D., Ypsilanti
September–October 2011
Persistent medications
Ann Arbor practice monitors persistent medications in the best interest of the patient
Karl J. Edelmann, M.D., Ann Arbor
September–October 2012
Pharyngitis
Ann Arbor pediatrician makes strep testing part of practice's culture
Andrew Seiler, M.D., Ann Arbor
January–February 2013
Prenatal and postpartum care
Communication and patient relationships are integral to increasing postpartum visits
Martha Walsh, M.D., Brighton
May–June 2013
Smoking cessation
Macomb physician helps patients quit smoking using a patient-centered approach
John Habicht, M.D., Macomb Township
September–October 2013
Spirometry testing
Spirometry test helps patients improve lung function
James Kohlenberg, M.D., Madison Heights
September–October 2014
Jackson doctor uses spirometry testing to motivate smokers to quit
Gary Lynd, D.O., Jackson
July–August 2013
Waterford practice uses spirometry to diagnose COPD and asthma
Joel Leib, D.O., Waterford
May–June 2012
Upper respiratory infection
Lansing Pediatrics treats cold symptoms, educates parents to minimize antibiotic use
Laurie Hult, M.D., Lansing
January–February 2012
Well-child care
Edgewood Pediatrics' commitment to well-child care and immunizations is a team effort
Brian Gendelman, M.D., Commerce Township
March–April 2011
Blue Care Network has identified several quality focus areas for 2015. If you want us to consider your practice or if you would like to nominate a provider who has had success improving patient care in one of the following areas, send an email to bcnprovidernews@bcbsm.com. The following are topics we plan to cover:
- Antidepressant medication management – Acute and continuation phase
- Chlamydia screening
- Appropriate testing for children with pharyngitis
- Avoidance of antibiotic treatment in adults with acute bronchitis
- Childhood immunizations
HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
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