BCBS of NM program reduces Medicaid ED visits by 62%

Albuquerque-based Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico saw a 62 percent decrease in emergency department visits for Medicaid beneficiaries under a house-call initiative established in January 2016, according to Albuquerque Journal.

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The program, called Community Paramedicine, has paramedics from Albuquerque Ambulance and American Medical Response execute health assessments in Medicaid beneficiaries’ homes. Kerry Clear, BCBSNM’s manager of community social services and coordinator of Community Paramedicine, said the program saved $1.7 million in avoidable ED visits in its first year.

The effort has moved from a pilot program to an ongoing service for more than 1,100 Medicaid recipients in Albuquerque. BCBSNM is considering extending the program to other state communities, according to the report.  

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