Site of Service Expansion Means Groups and Members Save

Next year, Premera Blue Cross is expanding its value-based benefit design for elective surgeries and low-risk pregnancies. The site of service benefit reduces member cost shares for high-value care at selected locations like ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and freestanding birth centers for low-risk pregnancies.

Pillars to our value-based benefit design

Delivering value goes beyond just lowering costs. Our benefit design aims to:

• Improve member satisfaction
• Provide cost-effective care without sacrificing quality
• Reduce administrative burden
• Lower total cost of care for members and employers

Why ASCs

ASCs are held to rigorous safety and quality standards and perform several common procedures like total joint replacement, biopsies, colonoscopies, and more. With a specialist focus, members often experience better outcomes along with lower costs.

Why freestanding birth centers

Freestanding birth centers apply a midwifery model of care during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. These birthing centers have increased in popularity and improved access to care for low-risk pregnancies. This model of care has consistently shown that women and babies have better outcomes, including lower rates of preterm- and low-weight births, and higher breastfeeding rates.

The right care at the right place

Not all members are a good fit for an ASC or birthing center. For any medical procedure, members should consult with their provider about the best place to receive their care.

Download the site of service flyer and talk to your Premera account representative to learn more.