News

BlueCross BlueShield and Kaleida Health Unveil Pilot to Improve Cardiac Outcomes

Released: 8/23/2012

Pilot focuses on coronary artery bypass grafting and creates win/win for hospital, patient and health insurer

The cornerstones of the Affordable Care Act are efforts to contain the rising cost of health care and enhance the quality of care delivered to Americans. BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and Kaleida Health are addressing these elements through a pilot program for individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. 

The pilot will work to improve the coordination of care between primary-care physicians, cardiothoracic surgeons and BlueCross BlueShield on behalf of the patient. Kaleida Health, when they perform CABG procedures at the state-of-the-art Gates Vascular Institute, will identify individuals who fit the criteria for this pilot starting September 1, 2012. 

Once an individual patient is identified as a candidate for the pilot, all clinical parties will participate in both a pre-admission and day-of-discharge coordination care conference. Nurse liaisons from Kaleida Health and BlueCross BlueShield, the cardiothoracic surgeon and primary-care physician, and a cardiologist will be involved and engaged to improve all aspects of the coordination of care and patient outcomes.

“BlueCross BlueShield and Kaleida Health share a unique vision in using this pilot program to improve our member’s experience as a patient and reduce cardiac readmissions,” said Raghu Ram, M.D., BlueCross BlueShield’s vice president and chief medical officer. “Allowing individuals to resume a more active lifestyle, improving heart function, and lowering the risk of further heart disease and complications post-procedure will be the direct result of this initiative.”

CABG is a type of surgery that improves blood flow to the heart. Surgeons use CABG to treat people who have severe coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is a disease in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries and is highly prevalent in Western New York.

“Coordination of care is critical to good patient outcomes,” said Margaret Paroski, M.D., Kaleida Health’s executive vice president and chief medical officer. “This pilot program for coronary artery bypass patients facilitates active communication among all the physicians; that in turn will improve outcomes for our patients and the quality of care for those we serve.”

About BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York:
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., one of New York’s leading healthcare companies that provides access to quality health care and solutions for members throughout Upstate New York. Since 1936, BlueCross BlueShield has helped millions of people gain access to health care. Today, we offer a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as life and disability coverage, dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. The company contributes significantly to organizations that promote physical health, community health and our region’s health, and BlueCross BlueShield employees also raise and donate several hundred thousand dollars each year. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, the company is an independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

As the region’s leading health plan, serving over 800,000 members, BlueCross BlueShield believes in taking small steps towards healthier living because - Healthy Changes Everything℠.

About Kaleida Health:
Kaleida Health is the largest healthcare provider in Western New York. More than one million patient visits are recorded annually at the Buffalo General Medical Center, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Gates Vascular Institute, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, plus the health system’s 90 clinics and healthcare centers. Kaleida Health operates HighPointe on Michigan and the DeGraff Memorial Hospital skilled nursing facility, plus the nation’s oldest – and original - Visiting Nursing Association. Kaleida Health also operates a major laboratory division as well as the Millard Fillmore Ambulatory Surgery Center. The organization is also affiliated with Great Lakes Health, the entity integrating Kaleida Health, Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation and the University at Buffalo. Kaleida Health's economic impact on Western New York exceeds $2.2 billion annually.