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Value-based programs
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and our family of companies have been working with doctors, hospitals and state and federal government organizations to develop value-based care programs in Arkansas.
Value-Based Care
Value-based care focuses on getting value from quality services. It is a shift from fee-for-service, or volume-based care. With value-based care, payments to doctors and hospitals are partially based on keeping people healthy, rather than simply the number of tests or services performed. Providers are rewarded for coordinating care, providing appropriate care, preventive services, and for positive health outcomes.
The following programs are available to health care providers and/or hospitals in the Arkansas Blue Cross networks.
Primary Care Value-Based Programs (PCF)
Primary Care First (PCF)
Primary Care First (PCF) is a national advanced alternative payment model that aims to strengthen primary care through regionally-based multi-payer payment reform and care delivery transformation. PCF aims to improve quality, improve patient's experience of care, and reduce expenditures. Arkansas Blue Cross partners with CMS in this five-year national model to strengthen primary care in Arkansas. Primary Care First seeks to improve quality, access, and efficiency of primary care. PCF began January 2021.
Collaborative Health Initiatives (CHIs)
CHIs are groups of doctors, hospitals and other healthcare professionals that come together to provide coordinated high-quality care. They are similar to accountable care organizations.
Arkansas Blue Cross collaborates with primary care physicians within a CHI to jointly manage the quality and efficiency of care. Through this collaboration, the CHIs and Arkansas Blue Cross work together to meet quality and financial targets.
Arkansas Program Portal (APP)
Arkansas Program Portal (APP) houses information to assist providers in value-based care programs. Within APP, Care Management, PCF and CHI portals are available to provide data, program manuals, resources, and reports. Providers can access APP through Availity Payer Space and through the secure link below.
How do I request access to APP?
If you are a new provider or clinic and need access, please contact Health Information Network (HIN) Customer Support at [email protected] or 855-822-2446. If you are an employee of an existing clinic that may already have access to the program portal, please contact your clinic administrator to determine who your APP user administrator (AUA) is. Your AUA will be able to grant you access.