BCBSA News Media Tip Sheet (Patient Safety)
January 11, 2011
Patient Safety
BCBS Companies Using Technology To Improve Healthcare Access And Quality
Critical care physician shortages are a persistent problem in many rural communities in the U.S. In 2008, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield partnered with six independent hospitals in western Maryland and the state’s eastern shore to ensure intensive care units (ICUs) were able to provide quality care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Through a commitment of $3 million, CareFirst has enabled Maryland eCare to establish a virtual intensive care system that provides around-the-clock video and audio monitoring with alarm systems that alert local caregivers in the event that action is needed even for the smallest changes in condition. Maryland eCare has served about 4,000 patients across six ICUs and plans to bring another hospital on line in early 2011.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are leading innovators when it comes to using technology to improve healthcare, particularly for rural or low-income residents who the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports have less access to quality healthcare. Anthem Blue Cross of California’s Telemedicine program has provided more than 25,000 clinical consults for cardiology, endocrinology, dermatology and neurology medical needs.
More than 2,000 consumers have been able to consult with their doctors without leaving their home or office last year through Hawaii Medical Service Association’s OnLine Care program, which provides instant and secure access for members and non-members to general practitioners and specialists to help them get the answers they need without an appointments or hassles. More than 83 percent of consumers who used the service rated the experience excellent or good, and over 87 percent of providers using the service rated their experience as excellent or good.
For more information, contact Kelly Miller, kelly.miller@bcbsa.com, 202.626.4825.
