PHILADELPHIA, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the expanded Connections(SM) Health Management Program, Independence Blue Cross is launching a new way for physicians to connect with patients who suffer from chronic conditions - the SMART Registry.
The SMART Registry, produced in collaboration with Health Dialog, is a comprehensive patient report sent to physicians twice a year. The registry provides "at-a-glance" summaries of patient care, including key clinical tests and treatments that are recommended for members with one or more of five common chronic conditions: diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD) and asthma.
Reports are sent to primary care physicians for all of IBC's Pennsylvania members, including those in Medicare plans, who have been diagnosed with one or more of the five chronic conditions. The reports include color-coded charts that note individual members' hospitalizations, specialist and emergency room visits, and whether the member may be in need of a recommended test or treatment for these conditions.
"The SMART Registry offers clinically relevant data about populations at risk. It's really a simple intervention that physicians can use to help IBC's members become better educated about their condition," said Dr. Robert N. Robison, medical director at IBC.
"With chronic conditions, it's a continuing process to make sure members are maintaining good health practices and receiving all recommended tests. If members become involved in care decisions and work with their providers and Health Coaches to manage their care, they can make a measurable improvement in their quality of life."
As part of IBC's Connections Health Management Program, members have access to Health Coaches -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week -- who can answer questions and, working with the member's physician, help the member better manage their care. In addition to giving physicians access to useful information concerning their patients, the SMART Registry also gives physicians a convenient way to refer members to the Connections program.
"From a physician standpoint, the SMART Registry is an easy way to catch those patients who fall through the cracks or who are difficult to manage," said Dr. Keith Harrison, whose practice was part of a pilot program testing the reports. Dr. Harrison also serves as a member on IBC's Physician Advisory Board. "When you know the gaps in care, you can reach out to the patient personally or refer them to a Health Coach."
The SMART Registry also offers physicians the opportunity to compare information on key quality indicators, such as HgA1c testing for diabetics, with other practices across the network. Physicians can compare their practices' performance to other in-network peers and view trends in care management. Future registries will show how the practice performs over time.
"The SMART Registry really helps a physician or practice who chooses to use it the chance to see how well they are delivering the quality care we all want patients to receive," Dr. Harrison notes. "While using SMART Registry does require some time on the part of the physician, the information is truly important for patient care quality - and in the end, that's what truly matters."
The SMART Registry is provided by Independence Blue Cross in coordination with Health Dialog and complies with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) regulations that protect the privacy of a patient's personal health information. Such information is shared only with members' primary care physicians and sent under a secure seal.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and the company contributes to the health and well being of the region through its extensive health and community partnerships, sponsorships and educational programs.
About Health Dialog
Health Dialog is a leading provider of Health Coaching and data analytic services that improve health care quality while reducing costs. By providing personalized support through specially trained health care professionals, Health Dialog helps individuals manage their chronic conditions and make medical decisions that are best for them. This consumer-focused approach encourages self-reliance and enables individuals to communicate more effectively with their physicians. For more information about Health Dialog, please visit http://www.healthdialog.com/.
Independence Blue CrossCONTACT: Butch Ward, Independence Blue Cross, +1-215-241-2220
