This article is for primary care providers caring for our members
Controlling blood pressure is an important step in reducing the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and stroke. Almost half of the adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure and aren’t aware or being treated. Strong doctor-patient partnership is valuable in controlling blood pressure. Encourage your patients to be aware of their blood pressure and make healthy lifestyle choices.
“We have known about hypertension for decades and there are many fantastic blood pressure medications with minimal side effects that are very effective and inexpensive,” says Dr. Mark Friedberg, Senior Vice President of Performance Measurement and Improvement at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “I advise patients with hypertension to work with their doctor to choose a medication that’s right for them.”
Read our Coverage story here, High blood pressure basics: Check it and treat it
Since in-person visits have been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’d like to remind you that blood pressure readings can be taken during telehealth or phone visits if the member—or their caregiver—uses a digital reading device and you document the reading in the patient’s chart. Many of our members can get digital reading devices at no cost using their health savings accounts or other Blue Cross reimbursements.
Be sure to educate your patient on how to properly measure blood pressure at home.
The CBP measure assesses adults, ages 18–85, who had a diagnosis of hypertension and whose documented blood pressure was adequately controlled (<140/90 mm Hg).
Here are more steps you can take for patients with high blood pressure:
As always, thank you for the care you give to your patients—our members.
HEDIS®' is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
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