The collaborative model is important to the Bridges to Excellence stakeholders in North Carolina as an approach to not just merely lowering cost or cost shifting, but also a way to improve the overall health care value (cost and quality). Collaborative members believe it will be beneficial for all parties in the long term to work collaboratively within a “win-win” framework to improve patient outcomes, help consumers change behavior, increase health care value and strengthen stakeholder business performance.
The North Carolina Collaborative includes health plans that operate in the State and have licensed BTE, like Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina (BCBSNC), as well as the active participation of national employers like IBM. The North Carolina State Health Plan was one of the initial purchasers to participate in BTE in order to bring effective care together with systems to ensure consistent care delivery and to reinforce the goal of improving healthcare quality and value. Raleigh and Charlotte are the regional areas of focus but the collaborative will likely expand state-wide. The program will focus upon diabetes, cardiac care and internal physician office practices. Additionally, the N.C. State Medical Society has voted to support both the Collaborative process and Bridges to Excellence.