Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Data Scientists Share Research at International Conference

June 11, 2018

BATON ROUGE – Data scientists and analysts from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana recently presented eight posters on their health and wellness research. Their presentations were part of the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research annual meeting in Baltimore, Md. 

Thousands representing healthcare – including researchers, policy makers, payers, regulators and patient groups – attended the conference in late May for the professional society for health economics and outcomes research. Blue Cross data analytics leaders consider such successful participation and valued contributions to this audience as a step forward in lifting Louisiana from the bottom of national lists for certain health outcomes.  

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is at the forefront of thought leadership for healthcare research,” said Somesh Nigam, chief analytics and data officer for Blue Cross. “Our presentations at this global conference share our objective of enhancing quality healthcare delivery in Louisiana while keeping costs in line. And it shows our research has national ramifications as well.”

The researchers evaluated Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana’s programs, including in disease management, case management and wellness. They also explored how predictive modeling, natural language processing and machine learning can create a better member experience and positively influence member outcomes.

For example, the data scientists evaluated the effectiveness of the insurer’s Quality Blue programs, in which strong partnerships between Blue Cross and network primary care providers drive high-quality, cost-effective care to patients, especially those with chronic conditions. Among the results noted was a significant reduction in hospital admissions for Blue Cross members seeing Quality Blue doctors. The analysis concluded these innovative, healthcare quality-improvement programs are helping patients have a better healthcare experience while reducing costs.

Another analysis evaluated a disease management program – the zero dollar copay program for prescriptions – for patients with chronic diseases. The study concluded the program’s effectiveness in increasing medication adherence and reducing the use of other healthcare services. It also showed how effective population health-management techniques can lower the disease burden of chronic conditions.

“With the advances in our in-house data and analytics capabilities, our Care Management team can gain insight and direction on the best approach to help our members,” said Dr. Vindell Washington, chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. “We want to look at what happens in between visits. Because most of a member’s life is spent outside of a care delivery setting, we need to consider how to support them during that time. We’re filling in the gaps, looking at how well they stick to taking their medication, what kind of social supports they have, and what their home environment is like. This lets us make a meaningful difference in their health and lives.”

The research presentations were well-received at the international meeting, with attendees engaging Blue Cross leaders, asking questions and offering ideas.

“The sheer amount of healthcare studies being performed at one time is both staggering and inspirational,” said Heath Williams, an analytics director at Blue Cross. “The exchange of ideas opens our minds to where we can make a difference.”

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Founded in New Orleans in 1934, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is a private, fully taxed mutual company, owned by policyholders—not shareholders. It is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and is governed by a Louisiana Board of Directors.

The company and its subsidiaries provide group and individual health insurance plans, life and disability insurance, group voluntary products and administrative services to Louisiana residents. With headquarters in Baton Rouge and eight district offices around the state, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is committed to improving the lives of its customers by providing them with health guidance and affordable access to quality care.

Learn more on the company’s website at www.bcbsla.com or visit its social media hub to connect via Facebook, Twitter and more.