This article is for all providers caring for our members
As you know, a controlled blood pressure helps reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as stroke and heart disease. It’s crucial to get regular screenings, which is why we sent CVS HealthTM Series 100 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitors at no cost to eligible Medicare Advantage members last year.
Please encourage your patients to use these devices and report their findings back to you. If you have any Blue Cross patients that have a diagnosis of hypertension and could benefit from having a blood pressure monitor, here’s how they can order one:
- Medicare
Advantage
Either members or their doctors can email hhit@bcbsma.com or call our Engagement Specialists at 1-888-376-0644.
- Federal
Employee Program (FEP)
Members can sign up for the Hypertension Management Program.
- Commercial
Members can purchase a digital blood pressure monitor with their health financial account.
You can help your patients understand the risks of hypertension and the importance of monitoring their blood pressure with some of the best practices below.
- Encourage patients to monitor and share blood pressure readings, even at home. Whether through telehealth or in-person, it’s best to capture every blood pressure reading taken using digital reading devices. At any time, your patients can safely and conveniently share their readings and the date they were taken via their patient portal or by phone call.
- Educate patients about their blood pressure readings and targets. Help your patients understand what their results mean and encourage them to schedule an appointment if they have persistently high readings.
- Create a daily blood pressure log. This allows you and your patient to better track and manage the progression of their blood pressure.
- Schedule follow-up visits. Having consistent follow-up care ensures that your patient’s medications and other treatment plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed.
- Promote medication adherence. Talk to your patients about the importance of taking their medications as prescribed. Consider prescribing single-pill medications and 100-day supplies, when possible, to improve adherence and lower patient out-of-pocket costs.
As always, thank you for the care you give to your patients—our members.
About Star ratings: CMS rates Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans on a scale from one to five stars based on certain quality and performance measures.
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