Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is Working with Physicians to Change the Way You Receive Healthcare&nbsp;
Providing high-quality care is multifaceted and requires everyone in the healthcare field to think differently. At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), we are committed to finding ways that will make the healthcare experience better while reducing the cost to provide that care. 
 
We believe it&rsquo;s important to harness new models of primary care, such as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH), to make healthcare better for all Arizonans. We&rsquo;ve been working with physicians for several years to evolve their practices and have found that when health insurance companies, physicians and individuals work together, people are healthier and more engaged, and doctors are more productive and efficient.
The BCBSAZ PCMH program includes more than 2,300 physicians across the state who follow evidence-based medicine when making recommendations for their patients. The program allows primary care providers (PCPs) to focus on preventing health problems from occurring, managing chronic conditions &ndash; such as diabetes or asthma &ndash; and improving the total well-being of their patients. It also incentivizes physicians by paying them for the improved health results of their patients, not by the number of patients they see. 
From an individual&rsquo;s perspective, our PMCH program provides a network of support, including a physician and a BCBSAZ care manager. This helps people with complex conditions stay on track with their follow-up appointments and medications, and helps them navigate through the medical system to achieve their personal health goals. 
PCMH physicians also have the support to provide:
<ul>
 <li>Longer office hours. This helps individuals avoid going to the emergency room or urgent care. With additional appointment times, it also increases the opportunity for people to receive the follow-up care they need. 
 
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 <li>Deeper insights into a patients health. PCMH physicians have access to health information, data and recommendations supported by research. This helps them better understand each individual and further tailor the course of treatment. 
 
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 <li>Multiple channels of communications. PCMH doctors can be reached by phone, email or online.</li>
</ul>
The benefits of the PCMH model are clear. Statewide, individuals who see a PCMH doctor are less likely to visit the ER or be hospitalized. In fact, PCMH patients experienced 31 percent fewer hospital admissions from issues that could be avoided, 25 percent fewer ER visits, and 12 percent fewer hospitalizations. Plus, PCMH helps save people money on medications, as PCMH doctors are eight percent more likely to prescribe generics than non-PCMH doctors. 
At BCBSAZ, we work with doctors who share our vision for patient-focused care. In doing so, we help Arizonans try to achieve optimal health , while reducing the cost of care. To find a PCMH doctor, visit <a href=" http://bit.ly/2suT6J4" target="_blank">azblue.com</a>, sign in, click on &ldquo;Find a Doctor,&rdquo; and check the box for &ldquo;PCMH&rdquo; under &ldquo;Quality.&rdquo;

Changing the Way You Receive Healthcare

Providing high-quality care is multifaceted and requires everyone in the healthcare field to think differently. At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), we are committed to finding ways that will make the healthcare experience better while reducing the cost to provide that care.