American College of Surgeons Recognizes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

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DETROIT, Aug. 19, 2009 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s contributions to improve the quality of surgeries performed in Michigan were recognized with an award at the July Annual Conference of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP).

The award, presented by ACS NSQIP director, Dr. Clifford Ko, recognized the Michigan Blues’ contributions in improving the quality of surgical care in Michigan. The award was accepted by Thomas L. Simmer, M.D., BCBSM chief medical officer.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan funds and administers a partnership with the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, a group of 34 hospitals across Michigan that collect and share data and best practices to improve quality, safety and outcomes for a variety of surgical procedures.

The collaborative approach is yielding positive results. For example, in one year, overall surgical site infections were reduced by 18.1 percent, and overall surgical complications were reduced by 37.1 percent.

Michigan is leading the way for the nation. According to Dr. Ko, the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative “has become an exemplary model for the rest of the country to follow.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit organization, provides and administers health benefits to 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to members of Michiganheadquartered groups who reside outside the state. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com.

BCBSM Value Partnerships – The Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative is part of Value Partnerships, a collection of clinically oriented initiatives among Michigan physicians, hospitals and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Through collaboration and data sharing, the initiatives are improving clinical quality, decreasing complications, decreasing costs and improving health outcomes. More information can be found at: www.valuepartnerships.com