Regence--which operates Blues plans in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and some parts of Washington state--is pleased with the results it achieved in the first year of its palliative care program, which provides emotional, physical and spiritual support to people managing serious illnesses as well as those individuals' loved ones. The company says the program received a 94 percent approval rating, has reduced hospital readmissions from 30 percent to 25 percent, and nearly doubled its target case projection.
"When managing a chronic condition it is essential that the person dealing with the illness and their families have the support they need when they need it most," said Bruce Smith, M.D., Regence's executive medical director for personalized care support. Announcement