Blue Review
A newsletter for contracting institutional and professional providers

August 2020

Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health: New Resources for Providers

This year we launched a Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) section on our website as part of our ongoing work with you to help improve member and community health outcomes by centralizing resources and tools.
Recently, we added some new features to keep you up-to-date about ongoing initiatives. We encourage you to check them out and give us your feedback.

  • Blue Door Neighborhood CenterSM (BDNC): Two New Locations – We’re opening two new BDNCs on the South and West Sides of Chicago. Read about the new locations. 
  • Transportation Services – Does a Medicaid member need a ride to your office? BCBSIL is working with LogistiCare Solutions, LLC (LogistiCare) to provide non-emergency medical transportation services at no cost.
  • Health Equity Grant Program: Information and List of Award Recipients – As referenced in this month’s CMO Perspective, BCBSIL partnered with the American Hospital Association (AHA) Institute for Diversity and Health Equity (IFDHE) to support the work of 13 Illinois hospitals and health care organizations in reducing disparities in health care. See a list of winners.
  • COVID-19 Member Microsite – The COVID-19 pandemic has affected some communities more than others. BCBSIL has created an online resource for our members who may need help. We invite you to share the link, or feel free to print out articles on topics of interest for your patients.
  • ICD-10 Z Code Billing Information – Based on claims data we’ve collected, we can see that some providers are adding ICD-10 Z codes to help address the social needs of our members. Are you adding ICD-10 Z codes for SDoH?
  • Health Equity Provider Survey – The survey will be closing at the end of this month. Last chance to participate! Where are you in your health equity journey? What challenges are you facing? What successes have you achieved? Your input will help us continue to enhance our website and other communications. Please complete our brief survey now.

LogistiCare, a subsidiary of The Providence Service Corporation, is an independent company that provides transportation services for BCBSIL members. LogistiCare is wholly responsible for its own products and services. BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding any products or services provided by LogistiCare.

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to third party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organizations. Any questions regarding those organizations should be addressed to them directly. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.