Blue Shield of California Awards $24.8 Million in Pay-for-Performance Programs in 2010

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing commitment to provide access to high quality care, Blue Shield of California announced today that it will make $24.8 million in bonuses available to medical groups and Independent Practice Associations (IPA) in California.  Providers be awarded based on their performance in clinical care, patient experience and use of information technology.  

"We are pleased to recognize high-performing providers for their continued efforts to ensure high quality care for our members," said Juan Davila, senior vice president of network management at Blue Shield of California. "Paying for performance allows us to encourage best practices to achieve breakthroughs in clinical quality, increase member satisfaction, and control the rising cost of health care."

This year, Blue Shield will reward $13 million under the Integrated Healthcare Association's (IHA) pay-for-performance model, which uses measurements such as clinical care, coordinated diabetes care, patient experience, and health information technology adoption.  $7 million will be awarded through Blue Shield's Performance Improvement Rewards Program, which focuses on effectively managing emergency room visits, outpatient surgeries, inpatient bed days, and generic drug utilization.  The remaining $4.8 million will be awarded for shared savings and other incentive programs.

Since 2003, Blue Shield has awarded more than $92 million to providers through its pay-for-performance program and has seen positive improvements in quality care for it members.  

About Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health plan with 3.5 million members, 4,800 employees, and one of the largest provider networks in California. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California offers a wide range of commercial and government products throughout the state. The company has contributed more than $125 million over the past four years to the Blue Shield of California Foundation—which this year was named one of BusinessWeek's 20 most generous corporate foundations. Contact your local agent or broker for more information about Blue Shield products and services, or visit the Blue Shield website at www.blueshieldca.com.

SOURCE Blue Shield of California