Blue Shield of California Announces “Primary Care Reimagined” to Support Network Providers During COVID-19 Pandemic

OAKLAND, Calif. – Blue Shield of California today announced a new “Primary Care Reimagined” program that provides in-network physician groups access to an array of latest technologies to enhance their delivery of care, and new reimbursement models that provide more predictable cash flow for the physician practices.

The program was spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic that has placed significant challenges on physician practices while the health care delivery system is experiencing changes including expanded telehealth and virtual care.

“We understand the pandemic is having a significant negative impact on independent primary care practices,” said Seth Glickman, M.D., chief health officer at Blue Shield of California. “Our goal is to help our network physician practices achieve financial stability while offering them innovative tools and strategies to reduce administrative burdens, allowing them to maintain focus on delivering high-quality care to their patients.”

The program is initially being offered to select physician groups throughout California. The reimbursement model includes set monthly payments per member as well as additional financial incentive payments for achieving quality outcomes and positive member experiences.

The new services offered to participating physician practices will include shared decision-making, virtual care, community health advocates, real-time claims payment initiative, and practice-level consulting services. These services are part of Blue Shield’s Health Reimagined initiative that seeks to transform the healthcare system with innovative ideas and technologies by working with medical providers, employers and community leaders.

“We recognize our healthcare providers are meeting the pressing health needs of our members  every day, so Blue Shield is committed to supporting them in maintaining a vibrant and sustainable practice that’s personally and professionally rewarding for them,” Glickman said.

Today’s announcement is the latest example of Blue Shield’s support to providers during the pandemic. Earlier this year the health plan announced more than $200 million in direct support to help ease the financial pressures for healthcare providers that have included advanced payments.

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, which serves Medi-Cal beneficiaries, also has provided 3,500 personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, gowns and sanitizers to seven clinics that primarily serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries in the Los Angeles area.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over four million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.