RICHARDSON, Texas, June 14 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is now collaborating with an innovative program, Bridges to Excellence (BTE), to implement the Cardiac Care Link program in both rural and metro areas across Texas. The goal of the program is to improve the care provided to patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and to financially reward BCBSTX network physicians for providing exceptional care. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting 81 million Americans, costing $316 billion annually and in Texas, causing nearly 1 out of 4 deaths.
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"We are eager to expand our partnership with Bridges to Excellence," says Eduardo Sanchez, vice president and chief medical officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. "We have invited physicians who treat cardiac patients to become BTE recognized because we view BTE as an effective, tested program that offers physicians the opportunity to demonstrate and be recognized for the high level of quality cardiac care they deliver to BCBSTX members."
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Because of the growing prevalence of diabetes in Texas and the attention diabetes management receives from BCBSTX customers, Blue Cross selected diabetes for its initial collaboration with BTE. After achieving success in increasing the number of physicians providing measurable quality medical care to patients with diabetes, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has expanded its sponsorship from the Diabetic Care Link program to include the Cardiac Care Link program as well and is the only health insurer to implement both statewide. The new program is part of the company's commitment to helping the quality of medical care delivery overall as well as the health and wellness of BCBSTX members and the company's focus on better management of chronic diseases.
Bridges to Excellence® is a not-for-profit company, founded in 2002, whose mission is to create significant progress in quality of care by recognizing and financially rewarding physicians who demonstrate that they provide quality care that meets established guidelines.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas -- the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas - is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with nearly 40,000 physicians and 400 hospitals to serve 4.5 million members in all 254 counties. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the country's largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. HCSC is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
