BCBS of Massachusetts Program Aims To Help Hospitals Control Health Care Costs
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts recently announced that it will donate $250,000 to help five Boston area hospitals train their trustees in how to control health care costs, the Boston Globe reports. The grant is similar to a BCBS program at five other hospitals to help their boards establish quality improvement goals. That program was completed last year. BCBS officials said they hope the program will help limit health care spending increases by improving the quality of care and reducing unnecessary treatment.The five hospitals receiving money under the grant are Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Emerson Hospital, Harrington Memorial Hospital, Lowell General Hospital and Winchester Hospital. Under the program, the hospitals are expected to each contribute $25,000 to training efforts in addition to hiring a consultant to work with senior management and trustees. Harrington Chief Operating Officer Douglas Crapser in a statement said that the program will help the hospital "build and enhance the expertise of the board and management in quality improvement and safety improvement programs" (Krasner, Boston Globe, 2/3). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
