HealthCore Inc, a healthcare research firm and affiliate of Empire's, will conduct a study to measure components of the pilot such as physician and patient satisfaction, improved health outcomes and reduced health care costs associated with reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Daniel Halevy, MD, FASN, Executive Director of Medical Quality for NYC REACH agrees, "We recognize the importance of coordinated patient care models like the medical home in order to improve health care quality and reduce disparities."  WESTMED Medical Group "strongly believes the advanced primary care model of the Medical Home emphasizes the patient centered perspective and reasserts the important responsibility and coordinating role of the primary care physician.  This enhances the doctor/patient relationship and provides patients with a higher level of quality and patient satisfaction."  

The pilot, which was launched on July 1, 2010, includes multiple partners, including the New York City Department of Health and a broad spectrum of faculty and community based primary care practices throughout New York City and the downstate region.  Physicians are enthusiastic about the potential this program holds for improving their patients' care. "Allied Pediatrics of New York (APNY) unanimously endorses Empire's foresight in promoting the medical home and recognizing the importance of the primary care pediatrician's role in ensuring that medical care is delivered in a safe, timely and efficient manner," says Gary Mirkin, MD, APNY. Salvatore Volpe, MD, adds, "As a solo practice, we are very proud to be part in this program. We believe it has the potential to improve the care of patients and keep primary care practices viable."

SOURCE Empire BlueCross BlueShield