To address physician shortage, Blue Cross to reimburse small Mass. primary care providers $20M
Photo | Courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield
The Boston offices of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will provide up to $20 million in total reimbursements to small, independent primary care practices across Massachusetts, as it seeks to reduce patient waiting times.
"We need to support our primary care clinicians now more than ever before," Sarah Iselin, president and CEO of BCBS of Massachusetts, said in a release from the health insurer on Monday. "We are committed to doing our part to sustain and strengthen primary care in the commonwealth to help ensure everyone can access the care they need, when they need it most."
More than 1,000 primary care providers, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants will be eligible for increased reimbursements up to 30%. The boosted funding is not expected to increase members' total costs, according to the press release.
Blue Cross’ announcement comes as the health insurance company reports its primary care network has grown 10% over the past five years while a 2023 Massachusetts Health Quality Partners survey found the percentage of Massachusetts patients who reported being able to see a doctor when needed continued to decrease since 2019.
"Investing in primary care should start where it is needed most – with small, independent practices," Dr. Mark Friedberg, senior vice president, performance measurement & improvement at BCBS of Massachusetts, said in the release. "These practices provide high-value services for our members, and we need to do what we can to support them during this critical time. We also know that strengthening primary care helps improve outcomes and overall health care affordability."
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments