Care provider performing blood pressure screening on patient

topic area 

Cardiovascular Health, Behavioral Health, Maternal & Infant Health

location

N/A

goal

The objective of this study is to describe and better understand racial disparities in health care access and health care journeys, from condition screening, to condition onset and diagnosis, to referral to specialty care, to the different types and timing of medical procedures and clinical care decisions that affect health outcomes. 
 

description

This study will focus on three topic areas: (1) cardiovascular health, (2) mental health, and (3) maternal health. Sub-studies within these condition systems will use claims data from Independence Blue Cross members to describe disparities in condition diagnosis, access to and utilization of primary and specialty care, and quality of care. We will examine patterns of referrals and referral rates, patterns of authorizations to receive medical care, type and frequency of diagnostic screenings and laboratory tests, medication prescription patterns, and procedures associated with condition management. 

impact

Findings will be used to identify targets for interventions aimed at reducing health disparities and improving equitable whole-person health, for instance through data-driven patient outreach and engagement.

status

In progress

Please see here for an update on our findings and next steps for the project.

AHE lead(s)

Atheendar Venkataramani, MD, PhD, Penn Medicine
Erica Dixon, PhD, Penn Medicine
Alya Nadji, MPH, Independence Blue Cross
Stephanie Gervasi, PhD, Independence Blue Cross
 

funding source

Independence Blue Cross 

partners