Horizon BCBSNJ Launches Patient-Centered Pediatric Program that Puts Focus on Improving the Health of Children and Families
Newark, NJ (PRWEB) December 18, 2013 -- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey announced today that it is launching a new, family-focused program to improve the health of children. This is Horizon BCBSNJ’s first patient-centered program dedicated to pediatric care.
Horizon BCBSNJ’s new Patient-Centered Pediatric Program will initially benefit more than 100,000 pediatric members. More than 630 pediatricians and family practice doctors at over 110 practice locations throughout New Jersey will be participating in Horizon’s newest value-based initiative, which launches on January 1, 2014.
“Horizon’s Patient-Centered Pediatric Program is focused on improving care coordination and delivering better quality outcomes for more than 100,000 pediatric members and their families,” said Jim Albano, Vice President, Network Management and Horizon Healthcare Innovations at Horizon BCBSNJ.
This initiative was developed over the past year in close collaboration with pediatricians, family practice physicians, practice managers and leadership of the New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics.
“The NJ Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics enthusiastically applauds Horizon's innovative program to support investing in high quality pediatric patient/family-centered health care,” said Fran Gallagher, MEd, Executive Director, New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. “Pediatricians and parents of children with special health care needs alike have long recognized the need for comprehensive care coordination as a top priority in improving children's health outcomes -- this program makes it possible.”
“Advocare together with Continuum Health Alliance are dedicated to delivering high- quality, cost-effective medical care while enhancing patient experience. For the past 18 months we have been involved in Horizon’s Patient-Centered Medical Home Program and we are excited to be participating in a similar initiative for our pediatric patients,” said Dr. Michael Schlitt, pediatrician at Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group and Vice President of Payer Relations at Advocare and Continuum Health Alliance. "The Patient-Centered Pediatric Program fits perfectly with the goals and programs we have been developing. We are excited to continue our collaboration with Horizon to enhance the delivery of coordinated, family-centered care to our pediatric patients and their families.”
This value-based program from Horizon BCBSNJ reinforces the role of pediatricians and family doctors to effectively coordinate all the health care needs of their patients so that children and their families receive the highest quality of care, in the right setting and at the right time. This approach provides personalized and comprehensive care while promoting each family member’s engagement in their own health.
Horizon BCBSNJ is providing Practices with the opportunity for potential earnings for developing and updating care plans for their patients with chronic and complex conditions and for demonstrating better quality outcomes and reducing avoidable Emergency Room visits for their patients. Outcome-based payments are based on achieving specific quality outcomes, like ensuring children receive the appropriate immunizations and the use of appropriate treatment and medications for children with upper respiratory infections and asthma.
Horizon BCBSNJ has a number of patient-centered programs, including Accountable Care Organizations, Patient-Centered Medical Homes, and programs focused on Episodes of Care (i.e. joint replacement). With the launch of the Patient-Centered Pediatric Program, more than 400,000 members are benefiting from Horizon BCBSNJ’s patient-centered programs that are working to improve patient care while controlling costs.
About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health services corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving more than 3.6 million members with headquarters in Newark and offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton. Learn more at http://www.HorizonBlue.com.
###
Thomas Vincz, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, http://www.horizonblue.com, 973-466-6625, [email protected]
Share this article