General News
Published February 18, 2019
Available March 1 through September 1, 2019, at no additional cost for all 51+ fully insured groups. The program’s success during this period will determine if it should be more broadly available and at what pricing.
Beginning March 1, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is offering access to Grand Rounds, an independent San Francisco-based company that virtually connects with eligible members and the members' providers to offer expert medical guidance from top medical professionals. This new service is called expert medical guidance. Virtual connections include access by phone, web, or mobile app.
With access to this service, members and their providers can receive expert medical guidance for a condition related to one of the following categories:
- Musculoskeletal
- Digestive
- Nervous system
There is no cost to you or your employees for expert medical guidance.
What does Expert Medical Guidance provide members and the members' providers?
With expert medical guidance, members and their providers get access to a top-ranked specialist matched to their specific diagnosis. The specialist personally and carefully reviews the member’s case and treatment plans at no cost and without the member needing to leave home.
Grand Rounds facilitates matching a member’s condition with a leading expert knowledgeable about the most up-to-date treatment protocols. The expert will review medical records and provide written guidance on a member’s diagnosis or treatment plan—without the member traveling for an in-person visit.
How does Expert Medical Guidance help make healthcare work better?
Offering this service demonstrates another way Premera is focused on getting the right care to the right customer every time. We know there can be wide deviations in care among different providers and regions. Expert medical guidance can improve the customer experience through better medical outcomes, fewer unnecessary surgeries, and fewer expensive and unnecessary treatments.
How long will Expert Medical Guidance be available?
This service is available for a six-month trial period: March 1 through September 1, 2019. Based on the customer experience and medical outcomes, Premera will determine if this service will continue to be offered.
During the trial period:
- There is no charge to our customers, employers, or providers for this program.
- No action is required as an employer.
Members who have received provider services in the past 12 months for musculoskeletal, digestive, or nervous system may receive an invitation to register with for Expert Medical Guidance with Grand Rounds. Some members who are already engaged in Premera personal health support, may get a referral directly from their Premera clinician if appropriate.
Questions?
Contact your producer or Premera account manager with questions.