Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) www.bluecrossma.com is partnering with American Well www.americanwell.com on the new telemedicine program called “WellConnection.”
Benefits of WellConnection include:
- Easy access to patients’ own clinicians via laptop, smartphone, or tablet
- More efficient care and increased convenience for patients,
- Avoidance of unnecessary trips to the emergency room
- Convenient in-home medication management and adherence guidance
- Improved post-surgical outcomes
- Better integration of behavioral health and primary care
Healthcare providers in the two year pilot will assess and treat patients with select health conditions using video visits. For example, some providers may check-in to monitor recovery from concussions, others may use video visits for wellness coaching, to follow-up with patients on certain medications, or to check-in after a procedure or hospitalization to monitor recovery to help prevent rehospitalizations.
The WellConnection pilot launches with two physician groups from Blue Cross Alternative Quality Contract (AQC) www.bluecrossma.com/visitor/about-us/affordability-quality/agc.html which operates as an innovative payment model that promotes quality and rewards physicians and hospitals for positive health outcomes, along with Emerson Physician Hospital Organization (Emerson PHO) www.emersonhospital.org, and Lowell General Physician Hospital Organization (LGPHO) www.lowellgeneral.org plus dedicated Blue Cross nurse care managers.
“Massachusetts is known for its innovation in the healthcare sector and BCBSMA is at the forefront when it comes to telehealth,” said Ido Schoenberg, MD, Chairman and CEO of American Well. “Blue Cross is giving its healthcare providers an innovative tool that provides patients with access to care outside an office setting and in the convenience of their own homes.”