CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Collaborative solutions to improve health care quality and reduce costs take center stage in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (BCBSNC) newly refreshed Let’s Talk Cost campaign. The statewide effort includes advertising, social media and community outreach all focused on bringing ideas to the forefront and others to the table to improve North Carolina’s health care system.
 
“The ‘scapegoat’ phase of the Let’s Talk Cost campaign was important because it pushed the blame game to the side and got everyone talking about what we can all do to improve quality of care and rein in costs,” said Brad Wilson, president and CEO of BCBSNC. “It’s natural that people ask us what we’re doing to address this problem, and that’s where our next phase begins. We’ll be highlighting some of the innovations that we’re working on with physicians, hospitals and others and asking for new ideas from the LetsTalkCost.com community.”
 
The campaign’s online efforts and advertising will highlight the work BCBSNC is doing with others to improve the heath care system and rein in costs. These efforts include:
  • Medical Homes –Carolina Advanced Health is a collaborative effort with UNC Health Care that takes the Patient-Centered Medical Home model to the next level
  • Cost Transparency –BCBSNC provides a treatment cost estimator through its Find a Doctor search on its Member Services site. Customers can compare the cost and quality of non-emergency treatments and procedures at different hospitals and imaging facilities around the state.
  • NC PATH – a program that provides electronic health records to hundreds of physicians and dozens of free clinics throughout North Carolina and connects them through the NC Health Information Exchange.
  • Flat-Fee Care – a new approach where patients pay one flat fee for medical procedures, which helps lead to better health outcomes and lower costs for patients.
 
“These conversations matter. We heard from our customers and the Let’s Talk Cost community that they want to know up front how much a procedure or office visit costs, and now that information is available.” added Wilson. “We know there is more work to do, and it begins with the kind of conversation and collaboration we see on Let’s Talk Cost.”
 
All North Carolinians are invited to share their ideas and comments on the website. For more information about these initiatives, and to view the TV, print and online ads visit www.LetsTalkCost.com.
 
Follow us on Twitter @BCBSNC.
 
About BCBSNC:
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 bcbsnc.com.