#United States #Boston #primary care #Blue Cross #CloseKnit

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Launches Virtual-First Primary Care Option

In a significant move aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (commonly referred to as Blue Cross) has unveiled a new virtual-first primary care service named CloseKnit. Designed to address the prevailing challenges in healthcare access, particularly in light of the ongoing shortage of primary care physicians in Massachusetts, this initiative reflects Blue Cross's commitment to meeting the health needs of its members.

What is CloseKnit?

CloseKnit is an innovative primary care service that combines both virtual and in-person care options, enabling Blue Cross members to conveniently access healthcare from their smartphones or computers, as well as through physical appointments at designated locations, specifically at One Post Office Square in downtown Boston. This service is now available to a majority of Blue Cross members, allowing them to connect with healthcare professionals in a way that best suits their preferences and requirements.

Dr. Ashley Yeats, the vice president of medical operations at Blue Cross, emphasized the critical role of primary care as a cornerstone of overall health. In her statement, she noted, "Not only can virtual primary care help alleviate the physician shortage, but it gives our members access to more care options and can improve their overall experience.” By implementing CloseKnit, Blue Cross aims to enhance patient experiences while providing timely and effective healthcare.

Services Offered by CloseKnit

CloseKnit encompasses a wide range of healthcare services, including:

• - Preventive Care: Regular check-ups and screenings to ensure early detection and prevention of illnesses.
• - Sick/Urgent Care: Immediate care for non-emergency medical issues that require prompt attention.
• - Chronic Care Management: Ongoing treatment and support for chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and more.
• - Disease Management: Tailored programs to help members manage specific health conditions effectively.

Additionally, members have access to a dedicated care team comprised of doctors, nurses, and Health Guides who are available to support their health needs and navigate them towards the right care solutions.

Mary Jane Favazza, the CEO of CloseKnit, expressed her enthusiasm about the launch: “It’s exciting to bring CloseKnit to Massachusetts. Care is personal. We want our patients to feel how much we care about them from the start and understand that our goal is to provide the care they need, when and where they need it.”

Expansion of Primary Care Network

Blue Cross has also reported a noteworthy expansion of its primary care network, growing by 13% over the past five years. This advancement is part of their broader strategy to enhance healthcare access for their members. Lisa Glenn, the vice president of network partnerships and innovation, stated, “We understand how difficult it is for our members to access high-quality, affordable primary care. Our focus is on building a network of providers that can support our members now and navigate members to the care they need when they need it.”

This expansion and integration of CloseKnit into Blue Cross's services come at a crucial time when many individuals are seeking streamlined access to healthcare solutions, especially considering the lingering effects of the global pandemic, which drastically shifted how patients approach healthcare.

Conclusion

As healthcare providers and organizations continue to evolve in response to modern challenges, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts stands at the forefront with initiatives aimed at improving care delivery. The introduction of the CloseKnit service signifies not only a commitment to innovative healthcare solutions but also a dedicated effort to ensure that members can receive the care they need, when and where they need it. Through these initiatives, Blue Cross emphasizes the importance of accessibility, quality, and patient-centered care, reinforcing its position as a leader in the health insurance landscape.

For more information about care options, members are encouraged to visit MyBlue to explore the services available to them.