Network to Offer Lower Rates, Improved Quality of Care Beginning November 1
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado Announces Blue Priority
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in ColoradoJoyzelle Davis, (303) 831-2005Twitter:
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado (Anthem) today announced Blue Priority, a partnership with specially selected physicians designed to provide a high-quality health care experience that improves outcomes and controls costs.
Blue Priority is a new network offering from Anthem centered on strengthening the relationship between patients and primary care providers. Anthem understands how vital this relationship is because our own patient-centered medical home pilot has proven that when members work closely with their primary doctor they’re more likely to be healthier and pay less overall.
“Blue Priority is an important part of our ongoing work to invest in the doctor-patient relationship and help people live their healthiest lives possible,” said Mike Ramseier, president and general manager of Anthem in Colorado. “By combining the strengths of Anthem and our physician partners we believe we can not only improve the quality, safety and value of health care, but also do so at a lower price point than many other products in the market.”
The Blue Priority network is available for quoting now, effective Nov. 1, 2012.
“Blue Priority and our partnership with Anthem will give Colorado employers and their employees the opportunity to not only access the highest quality care, but also care that is coordinated to improve outcomes, while eliminating waste and curbing costs,” said Ruth Benton, chief executive officer of New West Physicians.
In addition to New West Physicians, five other physician groups have been selected for Blue Priority:
Blue Priority’s network is made up exclusively of doctors hand-picked by Anthem who have proven their commitment to a patient-centered model of care by investing in technology and infrastructure to transform their practices. The network features unprecedented information sharing between Anthem and its physician partners, allowing practices to see if a member visited an urgent care clinic or had any other medical claims outside of their primary care physician’s office. The plan also uses shared savings payments with providers to reward them for improving the health of patients, as well as providing compensation for non-visit based clinical interventions, such as care planning, that have a positive impact on patient outcomes and cost.
Anthem’s patient-centered medical home pilot already demonstrated efficiencies and savings such as:
Blue Priority primary care physicians and specialists will work together as a team; specialists were chosen for their expertise and ability to collaborate with primary care providers. Blue Priority members will also have increased access to their primary care physicians, with extended hours to help reduce emergency room visits.
Blue Priority is designed for small and large employers in the greater Denver metro area and Colorado Springs. Blue Priority has two families of health plans. There’s Blue Priority, which offers only in-network benefits, and Blue Priority PPO, which provides more network options including in and out-of-network benefits.
“With Blue Priority our bottom line for doctors isn’t how many patients they see but how well their individual patients are doing,” Ramseier said. “We look forward to seeing improved health outcomes as a result of Blue Priority and are proud to be able to offer significant savings to Colorado businesses through this network offering beginning November 1.”
Businesses interested in learning more about Blue Priority and getting a rate quote should contact their insurance broker.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association . Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at . Also, follow us on Twitter at , on Facebook at , or visit our YouTube channel at .
New West Physicians is a primary care group practice and medical management company consisting of 55 physicians and 16 mid-level practitioners practicing at 16 office locations throughout the Denver metro area. Within this group of professionals, 33 are in Family Practice and 22 practice Internal Medicine. Additionally, we have 11 dedicated hospitalists all working together to provide the breadth of primary care with a focus on the cost effective delivery of quality healthcare. Combined, they serve 250,000 registered patients, 35,000 of whom participate in HMO health plans. For more information, please see