Coronary Artery Disease Care Link
The Coronary Artery Disease Care Link (CAD CL) program is designed to enhance care delivery and management for patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD). Physicians who demonstrate excellent performance can earn incentives for caring for patients whose employer or health plan participates in BTE. These rewards are funded from the savings achieved through lower health care costs, and the increased employee productivity that results from higher quality of CAD care.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality in the U.S. for both men and women, regardless of ethnicity. With more than 13 million Americans suffering from coronary artery disease, and related annual costs estimated at over $60 billion per year, there is clearly a need to encourage more effective management and treatment of this condition.
To earn incentives through the CAD CL program, physicians must meet benchmarks around such measures as blood pressure and lipid management, aspirin/anti-thrombotic use, and beta blocker use following an MI. Those hit and or exceed the targets improve the overall health and well-being of their patients, while reducing the risk of severe end-organ damage and other potentially fatal complications.
To view the Coronary Artery Disease Care Link (CAD CL) program measures click here.
Does obtaining recognition improve the quality of health care?
The program is designed with an understanding that patients may seek the care of various types of practitioners-primary care (PCPs), cardiologists (Cards), nephrologists (Nephro) for treatment and management of their coronary artery disease. Accordingly, the measures reflect that physicians should do the following:
What is the duration of Recognition?
For CAD Care Link (CAD CL) recognitions achieved on or before December 31, 2009, recognition status remains in effect for 3 years from the date on which a PAO awards recognition. Beginning January 1, 2010, the CAD CL recognition duration will be shortened to 2 years from the date on which a PAO awards recognition.
How will the public know which physicians have obtained recognition?
All BTE rewards eligible and/or qualified physicians and/or practices that are recognized by a Performance Assessment Organization, such as Masspro and MNCM as providing a high quality of care in the BTE CAD CL program are promoted on BTE’s list of CAD CL- recognized physicians on the HealthGrades Physician Quality Ratings website. To identify physicians in your area who demonstrate a high level of performance in providing care, go to one of these two directories.
Please note that some of this information such as reward amounts could be specific to a region. For market specifics, go to your local BTE region page.