BCBS Arizona launches Prosano Health Solutions subsidiary
AZ Blue said the new company will reduce waste and complexity and advance the total healthcare experience for patients and providers.
Photo: Martin Barraud/Getty Images
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, or AZ Blue, has launched a new provider services-oriented subsidiary called Prosano Health Solutions that it promises will improve healthcare access for those in the state.
In addition to promoting access, AZ Blue said the new company will reduce waste and complexity and advance the total healthcare experience for patients and providers.
"We've been working alongside our community, customers, and healthcare providers on strategies to transform the healthcare experience in Arizona and improve access and affordability," said AZ Blue President and CEO Pam Kehaly. "Prosano Health Solutions, Inc. will enable us to have a stronger role in Arizona's healthcare system than we do today solely as a health insurance company."
WHAT'S THE IMPACT
Prosano has launched its first Advanced Primary Care Center under the new company, with three more Maricopa County locations opening in 2024. Prosano Health Solutions launched in January of this year for AZ Blue employees, with 1,800 employees and their dependents enrolling.
Early data and patient feedback indicate positive impacts on both cost and quality of care, with higher than industry average patient satisfaction scores and a reduction of over 20% in emergency room visits, said AZ Blue.
The Advanced Primary Care Centers, the company said, offer a comprehensive care model that includes one-stop access to a primary care team, behavioral health practitioners, lab services, same-day appointments, virtual options and a selection of needed prescription medications.
For health insurance plans effective January 2024, employer groups can enroll in AZ Blue's BlueSignature Prosano plan, giving their employees access to the Advanced Primary Care Centers as well as a national PPO.
THE LARGER TREND
The subsidiary may facilitate trust among plan members in light of a December 2022 Ribbon Health poll showing that more than half (62%) of Americans don't trust their health plan when searching for care.
Ribbon's research found that more than one-third (38%) of people have had a negative healthcare experience due to incorrect provider information on their health plan's website.
When people have negative experiences finding care or are matched with the wrong provider, they're more likely to opt out of the healthcare system. This puts them at risk for worsening health and more costly care down the road, and increases future expenses for health plans.
ON THE RECORD
"Prosano Health's Advanced Primary Care offering is just our first step in becoming a health solutions company," said Beth Ginzinger, chief transformation officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and president of Prosano Health Solutions. "Next, we will begin to address specific geographic areas in Arizona that require solutions to improve access to care."
Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: Jeff.Lagasse@himssmedia.com
