It’s National Patient Safety Week! The American Society for Health Care Risk Management (ASHRM) recognizes National Patient Safety Awareness Week and the role in which patient safety professionals contribute to ASHRM’s mission of advancing patient safety, reducing uncertainty and maximizing value.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) recognizes National Patient Safety Week as well and remains dedicated to helping improve the quality of care that everyone in Michigan receives. This is why Blue Cross continues to partner with hospitals and doctors throughout Michigan to help improve patient safety and lower the cost of care. Here are three ways in which we prove our commitment to doing that:
Making improvements to hospital procedures
Since 1997, Blue Cross has been working with Michigan hospitals to address some of the most common and costly areas of surgical and medical care. Hospitals collect, share and analyze data, and then design and implement changes to improve patient outcomes and decrease unnecessary health care costs. Over a five-year period, five of these collaborations resulted in a savings of $597 million in health costs. While the dollar savings are important, what's more important is that these programs are saving and improving lives.
Eliminating errors related to prescriptions, such as improper dosages and drug interactions
When it comes to prescription drugs, you get a team of doctors and pharmacists looking out for your safety – and your budget. These experts help us develop programs we use to:
- Identify potential problems with your prescription
- Make sure you’re getting the right drug for the right situation
- Lower prescription drug costs
Building programs that spur collaboration
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has several nationally recognized, award-winning programs that bring together all the health care stakeholders with aligned incentives. Programs such as our Patient-Centered Medical Home program put the emphasis on value-based care, encouraging and rewarding the development of highly functioning health care systems. To learn more about how BCBSM is working to improve patient safety, clinical quality and care process efforts, visit valuepartnerships.com.
If you liked this post, you may also enjoy reading these blogs:
- MHA Patient Safety & Quality Symposium Focuses on Healthcare Transformation
- U-M Health System executive who heads Blues hospital initiative cited as nationwide leader in patient safety
Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan
