Almost 50 New Jersey physicians will receive their first incentives through Bridges to Excellence.
A widespread effort to recognize and reward high-performing physicians, improve patient health and reduce costs of care, BTE was launched in New Jersey in 2008 by a core group of employers, health plans and physicians working to address quality care for diabetes.
"We are pleased to see this effort progress in New Jersey," said Francois de Brantes, BTE's CEO. "Not only will the residents of New Jersey benefit from improved diabetes care through the use of BTE metrics, it is estimated that more than $60 million per year in avoidable healthcare costs could be saved as a result of this program."
The physician community has been receptive to BTE's arrival, with efforts championed by medical groups such as Partners In Care and the Vista Health System IPA.
The BTE Diabetes Care Link program is designed to improve the quality of care for patients with diabetes. Physicians who demonstrate they are top performers in diabetes care and employ standards established by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (such as blood pressure and cholesterol control as well as annual foot and eye exams) can earn up to $100 for each diabetic patient covered by a participating employer. Participating employers fund these incentives from the savings they achieve through lower healthcare costs and increased employee productivity that results from delivery of higher quality diabetes care.
"The Bridges to Excellence program makes quality a key component in the value equation of healthcare reform," said Cliff Feldman, executive director of health and wellness benefits for Verizon. "Rewarding doctors who provide higher-quality, evidence-based care helps drive better results and ultimately lowers healthcare costs."