Value Partnerships Spotlight: BMC2 Makes Michigan a Leader in Cardiovascular Care

Michigan has long been recognized for its exceptional work and progress in health care services. When it comes to cardiovascular care, there is a special distinction which is largely due to the efforts of a collaborative quality initiative sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, known as BMC2 (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium) . This initiative has revolutionized heart care and enhanced quality of care for patients across Michigan.

How does BMC2 work?

BMC2 works to not only improve care right now, but also in the future. It is a collaboration among 49 Michigan hospitals and nearly 700 physicians who collect and share data, then discuss the data together to develop and implement best practices that improve quality and outcomes for patients statewide.

The BMC2 initiative impacts roughly 30,000 Michigan patients each year who have angioplasties, vascular surgeries or valve surgeries, and those who undergo cardiac rehabilitation after their procedure.

BMC2’s mission is to enhance quality of care for all patients in Michigan, and what truly makes this initiative remarkable is its expansive reach and the tangible impact it has had on heart patients. From the largest health systems to rural health care centers within the state, BMC2’s improvements on quality and safety touch every corner of Michigan, ensuring that patients receive top-notch care.

A journey from angioplasty to comprehensive heart care

Beginning with a focused goal of improving outcomes for patients undergoing angioplasty, BMC2 has grown significantly over the years. The initiative now encompasses a wide range of cardiovascular treatments and procedures including vascular surgery, valve replacement, and cardiac rehabilitation. This expansion highlights BMC2’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of cardiovascular patients and continuously improving the standard of care.

Through initiatives within BMC2, improved quality of care and safety have been achieved for heart patients statewide. “If you’re a patient, I can assure you that you’re going to get better care in Michigan than in almost any other state in the country,” said program director, Dr. Hitinder Gurm.

From patients experiencing fewer complications after procedures to readmission levels going down, BMC2 has achieved much:

1. A focus on readmissions, resulting in a steady decline in readmissions after PCI (angioplasty) at a rate of more than 1% annually from 2017 to 2023. The impact is estimated at 250 fewer readmissions.
2. A 180% increase in rates of follow-up imaging after aneurysm repair from 2017 – 2023, identifying more at-risk patients.
3. An 80% decrease in blood transfusions after transcatheter valve procedures between 2014 and 2023, reducing death and kidney injury.
4. BMC2 care teams referred 90,000 angioplasty PCI patients to cardiac rehab between 2020 and 2023, lowering their risk of readmission and death.

Recognized excellence and innovation

BMC2 has earned many special recognitions, including:

• The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum recently awarded the BMC2 with the 2023 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award in the local level innovation category.
• The State of Michigan recently commended BMC2’s “innovative spirit and unwavering dedication” as a pioneer in cardiovascular care in a special tribute signed by Forty-Seventh District State Representative, Carrie Rheingans; Fourteenth-District State Senator, Sue Shink; Lieutenant Governor, Garlin Gilchrist, II; and Governor, Gretchen Whitmer.

At the core of BMC2’s success is the Value Partnerships program, which fosters collaboration among hospitals, physicians, and insurers to enhance patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

When asked why BMC2 is so successful, Dr. Gurm said, “it’s truly a team effort. We have a unique culture where there’s open sharing of data, open sharing of best practices, and a willingness to ask hard questions.”

By promoting a shared learning environment and a continuous search for opportunities for improvement, Value Partnerships has been a huge driver for advancements made by BMC2.

Additional resources can be found on the BMC2 website .

BMC2 and other collaborative quality initiatives are part of Blue Cross’ Value Partnerships platform of programs. Value Partnerships is celebrating 20 years of advancing the health care delivery system, making health care work better for Michigan and beyond.