Horizon BCBS New Jersey Medical Homes Reduce Inpatient Admissions & Emergency Room Visits

On July 23 2013, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (BCBSNJ) reported that during 2012, hospital inpatient admissions were 23% lower for its 70,000 members enrolled in a patient centered medical home (PCMH) than for members receiving traditional primary care. PCMH members also had 12% fewer emergency room visits; they had 3% more breast cancer screenings, and 11% more received pneumonia vaccinations. Horizon BCBSNJ also reported that PCMH members with diabetes had a 5% higher rate in improved diabetes control, as reflected by their HbA1c levels which indicate long-term blood sugar readings. The cost of care . . .