Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) announced today that it has recognized and rewarded more than 135 physicians statewide, representing 29 practices, for meeting stringent national quality health care standards set by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The practices received a combined total of more than $800,000 in quality care rewards through the Bridges to ExcellenceTM program after fulfilling the requirements of this national program.

The Fit Community designations were made by Fit Together, the statewide initiative by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF) to combat obesity and excessive weight. Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue, chair of the HWTF, and Bob Greczyn, president and CEO of BCBSNC, presented the awards, which are in the second year. Thirty cities, counties and towns applied for the designation.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is turning its vision for a healthier North Carolina into a statewide, grassroots movement promoting nutrition and exercise. The state’s largest health insurer is launching a new campaign, “Eat and Move,” that will engage kids, parents and teachers in healthy behaviors.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina today announced a new dental insurance product that allows employers to provide dental coverage to their workers at no required cost to the employer.

An Internet site that uses character scenarios to walk consumers through a new health plan option has netted a top web development award for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). The website, experiencehsa.com, won an Outstanding Achievement Award for Web Site Development from The Web Marketing Association. The award was in the Health Care Standard of Excellence category.

The National Business Group on Health chose Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) as one of the best employers in the nation for healthy lifestyles. BCBSNC received a gold award for its commitment and dedication to combating obesity and promoting a healthy lifestyle for its employees.

"Dr. Bradley is a national leader in preventive care. He has produced real results in helping our members make the best choices about their health," said BCBSNC President and CEO Bob Greczyn. "He’s also pushed for excellence in the medical care that all North Carolinians receive. We’re fortunate to have the health care vision and expertise that he brings to our senior leadership team."

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and the North Carolina Medical Society announced today they have joined with other Blues companies and State Medical Societies across the country in reaching a settlement in a national class-action lawsuit. The settlement resolves a number of past issues between physicians and Blues companies regarding claims processing and payment, utilization management, physician contracts and other matters.

The doors to 69 free clinics are staying open late tonight from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in an unprecedented effort to raise awareness of the critical health care needs being met for the uninsured by North Carolina’s free clinics. The statewide event coincides with national Cover the Uninsured Week.

Jeffrey L. Houpt, MD, former dean of the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine and founding CEO of the UNC Health Care System, has been elected chairman of the Board of Trustees of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).