Evaluation of the Quality Blue Primary Care program on health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the role of the Quality Blue Primary Care (QBPC) program on healthcare utilization and overall cost among the beneficiaries of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA).

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study using claims data from adults residing in QBPC-implemented regions continuously enrolled through BCBSLA from June 2012 to December 2014 (N = 89,034).

METHODS: Controlling for age, gender, and risk score by propensity score weighting, inpatient, outpatient, and corresponding medical expenditures were each compared between the QBPC group and the control group using a difference-in-differences regression model.

RESULTS: Average total cost increased in both the QBPC and control groups in 2014, but the increase was significantly less in the intervention group-a difference of $27.09 per member per month (PMPM) (P ≤.001). Savings in total cost were derived largely from a decrease in hospitalizations-a difference of $18.85 PMPM (P = .0023). Furthermore, savings were associated with shifts in healthcare utilization by the intervention group toward proactive management, including increased primary care physician visits (P = .0106) and higher screening rates for diabetes (P = .0019). Inpatient admissions also decreased in the QBPC group, most significantly among those with chronic conditions (P <.05). Conversely, an unexpected increase was observed in emergency department visits.

CONCLUSIONS: The QBPC program was associated with a shift in primary care delivery and reductions in overall cost. Savings were achieved largely through reductions in hospitalization costs.