Horizon Says Patient-centered Care Model Improving Both Costs, Outcomes

Fewer hospital admissions and trips to the ER, and better and less costly diabetes care, are among the 2012 results of the patient-centered medical home program of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the insurer announced today.

Horizon said it plans increase enrollment in medical homes, which seek to coordinate medical care in order to improve quality while lowering costs.

Horizon said when compared to its members in non-PCMH medical practices, the 70,000 PCMH members it surveyed had:

— 5 percent higher rate of improved diabetes control.

— 3 percent higher rate of breast cancer screenings.

— 11 percent higher rate of pneumonia vaccinations.

— 23 percent lower rate of hospital inpatient admissions.

— 12 percent lower rate of ER visits.

— 9 percent lower cost of care for diabetic patients.

Read the full story here: http://bit.ly/15goY0v

Source: NJBIZ