NC State Health Plan Signs Agreement Giving State Employees and Teachers Access to Carolina Advanced Health

 

Chapel Hill, N.C.–Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and the North Carolina State Health Plan (SHP) announced that 1500 members of the SHP will be eligible to visit Carolina Advanced Health, a next-generation primary care practice recently opened in Durham.

 

“We believe that the efficiencies gained at Carolina Advanced Health can help our employees who are living with chronic conditions better manage their health, as well as reduce complications, avoidable ER visits and unnecessary duplication,” said State Health Plan Interim Executive Administrator Lacey Barnes.

 

Carolina Advanced Health takes the patient-centered medical home model to a new level.  Doctors, nurses and other health professionals at Carolina Advanced Health work together to manage every aspect of patient care to help improve the patient experience.  On-site access to nutritionist and pharmacist consultations and behavioral health care means patients get support for all of their health needs in one place.   The practice also streamlines the medical process, allowing patients to request multiple appointments on the same day, ask BCBSNC Customer Service claims questions on-site, as well as pay bills and schedule appointments online.

 

“The addition of the State Health Plan members is another indication of the strong interest in new partnerships and integration in health care. We aim to provide more patients with greater access to more affordable, quality care,” said President and CEO of BCBSNC Brad Wilson.

 

The NC SHP is comprised of state employees, teachers and retirees. On Jan. 1, 2012, the Plan transferred from legislative oversight to the Department of State Treasurer to further align and improve services to the citizens of North Carolina.

 

Carolina Advanced Health treats BCBSNC customers who are over 18, are covered by a participating BCBSNC health plan, such as the State Health Plan, and are living with any of the following chronic illnesses: coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart failure and asthma.  The following customers are not eligible to visit Carolina Advanced Health at this time:  participants in Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement plans and the Federal Employee Program, CHAMPUS/TRICARE and persons covered by health plans other than BCBSNC or participating self-insured employer groups.

 

Dr. Warcup, Director of the new clinic said, "We are very pleased to welcome the new patients to this next generation patient centered medical home where the patient will have access to primary care as well as treatment from specialists onsite."

 

To learn more about Carolina Advanced Health, visit the BCBSNC media center to view an informational video. And visit http://www.carolinaadvancedhealth.org for more detailed information about the practice.

 

The State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees provides health care coverage to more than 664,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, lawmakers, university and college personnel, state hospital staff and their dependents. Through healthy living initiatives such as NC HealthSmart, the Plan empowers members to make healthier lifestyle choices and become full partners in enhancing their health and wellness.

 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 77 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at http://www.bcbsnc.com.

 

 

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