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The first program of its kind in Illinois, Diabetes Checks & Balances encourages people with diabetes to contact their physicians and arrange for four tests, including HbA1c (a test indicating the level of blood sugar control), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, an eye exam, and screening for kidney disease. More than 600 area residents met the criteria for participation, and 29% received all four of the tests – almost twice as many as in 2006, before the program started.
"These results are an impressive start. We will work to continue to drive people with type 2 diabetes to their doctors and other resources that can help them improve how they manage their conditions," said Barb Baurer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of COUNTRY Financial.
The American Diabetes Association estimates more than 9,500 – or roughly seven percent – of the McLean County population has diabetes – and more than 120 people in the county die each year from diabetes or diabetes-related complications.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) collaborated with McLean County employers and health care providers on the Diabetes Checks & Balances program, including COUNTRY Financial, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., State Farm Insurance®, and numerous other local employers to target this population and move them toward care.
"Blue Cross' goal was to join together with local employers and providers and help our members in the area who have diabetes be healthier," said Scott Sarran, MD, BCBSIL's chief medical officer. "Similar to the 'medical home' concept, as part of this program, physicians provided comprehensive coordinated care for their patients that enhanced their health."
As part of the program, BCBSIL identified its local members with diabetes, and sent them information about diabetes and about the program. Through the program, local physicians became actively engaged in improving the care of diabetics. In addition, BCBSIL hosted diabetes screenings in the workplace and elsewhere throughout the area. -Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Posted August 2nd, 2008 by harminka
