Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas City Introduces New Program To Combat Medication Errors

December 4, 2007

KANSAS CITY - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City today announced a unique new program designed to further safeguard its members who are taking multiple medications. The company's new BagIt! program encourages patients who use several medications, including prescriptions, herbal medications and vitamins, to bring all their medications to their next doctor visit for a medication review – the program even provides the bag! The BagIt! program is part of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City's comprehensive A Healthier You  program, which provides onsite wellness activities to participating employers and education and online resources to all members.

Sometimes members get their medications from more than one physician. The prescribing physician may not be aware of other prescriptions the member also takes, and the member may be at risk for serious drug interaction complications as a result. Many people are also not aware that herbal medications, which may be purchased over the counter at a drugstore, can affect how prescribed medications work. By encouraging better communication between doctors and patients, the BagIt! program will catch potentially harmful drug interactions or unnecessary medications and could have life-saving – and cost-saving – results.

"Medication errors and prescription drug misuse rank among the most common medical errors, harming at least 1.5 million people each year," said Brian Burns, Vice President of Medical Services for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. "It is believed that, nationwide, the extra medical costs resulting from these errors amount to more than $3 billion each year. At Blue Cross, we are working to keep healthcare costs affordable – our new BagIt! program is just one way we do this."

The BagIt! program is simple for the member and the doctor. A mailer bag was sent out to all Blue Cross members over the age of 18 who are typically taking more than 5 medications. The mailing encourages members to place all their medications into this bag, including over the counter medications, and take the bag to their next doctor visit for a medication review. A second mailing is planned in the spring of 2008.

The BagIt! program is available to all Blue Cross members who have their pharmacy benefits managed by Blue Cross. Members with questions about the program may call 816.395.2121.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, the largest not-for-profit health insurer in the state and the only not-for-profit health insurer in Kansas City, has been part of the Kansas City community since 1938. BCBSKC provides health coverage to nearly 900,000 residents in the greater Kansas City area and Northwest Missouri. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information on our company, visit our Web site at www.bcbskc.com. For more information about the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, visit that Web site at www.fepblue.org.