Blue Cross And Blue Shield Companies Honored For Innovative Programs That Help Consumers Live Healthier Lives

October 6, 2009

CHICAGO – The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), in collaboration with the Harvard Medical School Department of Health Care Policy, today recognized six Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies with a total of seven BlueWorks® awards for their innovative and successful approaches to improving the quality and value of healthcare for consumers.

Now in its fifth year, the BlueWorks program is a unique collaboration between BCBSA and the Harvard Medical School Department of Health Care Policy, through which Harvard researchers evaluate and select Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies' programs for recognition based on their innovation, efficacy, and potential for replication.

"These winning programs are prime examples of the work Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are doing in their communities to enhance healthcare delivery and provide consumers with the information they need to make more informed healthcare decisions," said Scott P. Serota, BCBSA president and CEO.  "Through these innovative programs, Blue companies are demonstrating their commitment to improving healthcare quality, value and access."

"Harvard is pleased to recognize Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies for effectively collaborating with consumers, employers, providers and other key stakeholders to enhance the quality, access and affordability of care in local communities," said Barbara J. McNeil, Ph.D., head of the Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School.  "For the past five years, we have seen first hand how Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are doing their part to improve the healthcare delivery system and enhance quality and value for consumers.  These companies have tackled important problems related to a variety of clinical problem areas that can be adopted by other Blue companies throughout the country."

The seven programs recognized with a BlueWorks award are:

• Journey Forward (Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield)
• The Positive Impact of Asthma Action Plans (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois)
• Community Conversations on Compassionate Care Program (Excellus BlueCross BlueShield)
• Performance Improvement Coaching Program (Excellus BlueCross BlueShield)
• BCBSNC/SHP Bridges to Excellence Pilot (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina)
• Highmark Pilot Program for National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Physician Recognition: Collaborating With Physicians to Improve Patient Care (Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield)
• Physician Quality and Cost Transparency Program (BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee)

Two BlueWorks honorable mentions were also recognized:

• A Healthier You Worksite Wellness (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City)
• The Advanced Medical Home:  Results & Lessons Learned (Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota)

Since the inception of the BlueWorks program, Harvard has recognized 58 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies' programs.  For more information about this year's winning programs and other Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies' programs that have been awarded the BlueWorks distinction, please visit http://www.bcbs.com/innovations/blueworks/.