HJNO May/Jun 2019

Driving Down Costs 20 MAY / JUN 2019 I  Healthcare Journal of new orleans   “By taking care of disease up front, you can prevent some level of acute care that’s needed down the road.” —David Hochheiser, Blue Cross Senior Vice President for Provider Networks and Healthcare Value David Hochheiser “What we discovered is that patients were wildly impressed that their doctor was fol- lowing up with them,”said HealthLoop CEO Todd Johnson, adding that early detection helps patients receive needed care in the most cost effective and convenient way. One study found HealthLoop reduced cost of care for patients who were discharged after surgery by an average of $656 per person. Partnering with Health Plans Through their affiliated primary care group practices, several health systems have also collaborated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (Blue Cross) to help patients control their hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease, and kidney disease under the Quality Blue programs. David Hoch- heiser, Blue Cross Senior Vice President for Provider Networks and Healthcare Value, estimated that providers helped reduce premium costs by at least $40 million by improving health for more than 130,000 patients. “People were needing less hospi- talization,” he said. “By taking care of dis- ease up front, you can prevent some level of acute care that’s needed down the road.” He challenged the notion that Louisiana fares too poorly in national health rank- ings to improve. Using his own health as an analogy, he emphasized attainable progress statewide. “I’m never going to be my ideal weight, but even if I lose five or ten pounds that makes a significant impact inmy over- all health.” Improving Quality of Life Weaver has not been back to a hospital emergency roomsince she became Dr. Cole’s patient. “I’mwatching what I eat and exercis- ing,” she said, describing her future weight loss targets. She also urged other patients who struggle with chronic disease to seek help. “You’re addingmore years to your life, getting to be there for your kids and grand- kids,”she said. “It won’t cost us somuch if we get it caught while we’re younger.” n “What we discovered is that patients were wildly impressed that their doctor was following up with them.” — Todd Johnson , CEOHealthLoop