Provider Partners
Providers stepped up when Rhode Islanders most needed their help through the pandemic, and we thank them for the services they provided then and continue to deliver now. We also appreciate the endless efforts of the diverse group of organizations and volunteers who work toward making quality healthcare accessible to all.
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Transforming access to behavioral healthcare
The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 has increased the stress on our members and their families. It has highlighted the need for greater access to care, especially for mental health and substance use disorders. We are introducing new care models to do just that.
Integration with primary care
Our members with behavioral health needs can benefit from a pilot program we launched with the Women’s Medicine Collaborative at Lifespan. In the pilot, primary care providers (PCPs) receive support from BCBSRI to identify and treat patients with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Members can connect with a behavioral health provider during their PCP visit and then continue to receive care from their PCP, or they can switch to a behavioral health provider for ongoing treatment. The pilot also incorporates an alternative payment model focused on quality and cost efficiency.
“At the Women’s Medicine Collaborative, we believe that mental health is a key component to good health.”
Care management online
We all like to see the person we are talking to and getting help from. Our new virtual care management program meets members where they are and offers the reassurance of a face-to-face conversation. BCBSRI nurses can visit virtually while the member is in their own home, in addition to keeping in touch through telephone calls. Seeing members also gives nurses the ability to better identify health issues that weren’t previously addressed.
“This is a game-changer for the nurse-patient relationship.”
Listening to providers
While any hospital stay can be challenging, an unexpected readmission—especially one that might have been avoided—can be particularly unsettling for patients and their families. We have been collaborating with providers to reduce hospital readmissions after a patient has been sent home. By addressing the root causes of unplanned hospital readmissions and emergency room visits, providers are helping to reduce healthcare costs while also ensuring quality care.
Two proposed programs are already up and running and working to meet the needs of BCBSRI members.
Coastal Medical – Reducing Readmissions by Transforming Patient Access
Coastal Medical developed a remote monitoring program that helps patients stay connected to their care teams following discharge. Now, healthcare providers can more easily connect with patients when needed, and care managers can be alerted and respond to a situation before a patient has to go to an emergency room or back into the hospital.
“Remote Patient Monitoring has been a game-changer for Coastal patients. In a time when isolation is so prevalent, RPM allows us to stay closely connected to our patients, meet them where they are in their health journey, and deliver the timely care they need how they want it.”
Integra – Integra at Home Community Paramedicine
This program provides 24/7 on-demand, at-home care for patients at high risk. A care provider will be dispatched to a patient’s home within 30 minutes, and they can provide many health services, such as an EKG, bloodwork, home safety evaluation, or medication check.
Read how BCBSRI is helping members stay home
“The Integra at Home program has allowed us to provide care that truly honors what matters most to our patients. We can respond 7 days a week, 24 hours a day so our patients can be surrounded by family and the comforts of home.”
Expanding health equity for more Rhode Islanders
Our vision extends beyond our organization, so we gladly support those who work to create a state of health and well-being across the Ocean State.
Neighborhood health station
More Rhode Islanders in the Olneyville and Valley neighborhoods now have access to healthcare. Support from BCBSRI helped Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic maintain a neighborhood health station. With simple health checks, residents can learn about chronic conditions and, if necessary, be enrolled into preventive health services.
Free healthcare services
In 2021, more than 4,400 low-income, uninsured RI adults benefited from more than 14,000 visits, including medical, dental, behavioral health, and COVID-19 response. These were provided in person and virtually by the Rhode Island Free Clinic, which honored BCBSRI with the 2021 Founders’ Award. As one of the organization’s major partners, we helped fund their 2021 services.
“One of the most important things about the survival of a free clinic is to have strong partners. We couldn’t have done what we’ve done without Blue Cross’ support.”
Honored to be a partner
We are proud to have received the 2021 Carter Inspiring Partner Award from the Rhode Island Foundation. This award recognizes donors that have demonstrated a thoughtful approach and commitment to philanthropy.
“Blue Cross has been making critical investments for decades aimed at increasing access to affordable healthcare and improving health equity, a mission and vision closely aligned with our priorities.”
Sharing heartfelt stories
Watch these women share their stories about surviving heart disease and stroke. BCBSRI and the Southern New England American Heart Association (AHA) created the Heart2Heart Storytellers campaign in 2017. We donated $25,000 to the AHA on behalf of the 2021 Storytellers to help raise awareness about these leading causes of death in women.
It’s really important to share your story. Because if we don’t share our stories, how are other women going to know it could happen to them? And how are they going to know what to do if they start having shortness of breath?
Increasing care for the LGBTQ community
Our LGBTQ members and their families face significant challenges in their lives, and the doctor’s office shouldn’t present another hurdle.
More providers are offering safe, affirming, and inclusive care to the LGBTQ community with help from the BCBSRI Safe Zone certification program. Six organizations, with a dozen locations, were certified in 2021, joining nearly three dozen other locations statewide.
The facilities include primary care, behavioral health, child and family services, and organizations serving individuals who have experienced sexual assault, domestic abuse and substance abuse as well as the first pediatric practice: Coastal Medical Waterman Pediatrics.
Find a certified Safe Zone provider“We want kids and teens to know that when they see the Safe Zone logo on the door at Waterman Pediatrics, they will receive compassionate, affirming care and that we have resources at the ready for both patients and their families.”
Engaging diverse suppliers
We understand the important role that our suppliers play in our ability to deliver innovative solutions to our customers in an increasingly dynamic healthcare ecosystem. With that in mind, we revamped our supplier diversity program, actively encouraging qualified minority- and women-owned suppliers from all segments of the business community to participate in our corporate procurement process.
- Minority-owned businesses
- Woman-owned businesses
- Veteran-owned businesses
- LGBTQ-owned businesses
- Disadvantaged business enterprises and small disadvantaged businesses
- Disability-owned businesses