CareFirst, Ryse Health Value-Based Care Partnership Yields Unprecedented Results for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Posted on 2024-07-16 | Updated on 2024-07-16 11:50:40

First longitudinal value-based care approach for endocrinology achieves 95th percentile results in key performance measures

Partnership addresses shortcomings of digital-only or in-person only solutions 

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 16 /PRNewswire/ – Today, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations in the country, and Ryse Health (Ryse), an operator of specialized cardiometabolic health clinics, announced 2023 performance results from a first-of-its-kind quality improvement partnership serving individuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes in CareFirst’s commercial networks. 

The specialty clinics, which typically receive the most challenging patients via referral from primary care practices, combine in-person and virtual care to help patients improve their health. Among the notable results, the clinics outperformed 95% of primary care practices in key process measures: kidney evaluation, eye exam, and statin adherence. Furthermore, 80% of Ryse patients achieved blood pressure control (NCQA 95th percentile) and only 19% ended the year with an A1C of 9 or more (NCQA 90th percentile)  

Full results: 

“Type 2 diabetes presents a massive health and financial challenge for patients, providers, payors, and the country – one that’s been getting worse, not better, in recent years,” said Ryse Health Founder and CEO Richard Gurley. “The data we’re releasing today backs up our belief that the best way to treat people suffering from type 2 diabetes is to offer hands-on, in-person care paired with a patient-friendly digital solution. We are very pleased by our partnership with CareFirst, and to see patients, many of whom had been steadily declining for years, actually getting better.”  

“Our members are interested in more convenient healthcare options while not sacrificing quality. A hybrid (in-person and virtual care) practice to support members struggling with diabetes improves access, is more convenient, and better member engagement is likely to yield better clinical outcomes. We launched this partnership last year with the intent of providing our members with a new resource for improving their health that meets them where they are, and one that prioritizes quality outcomes where we reward the providers of Ryse for delivering positive clinical results,” said Brian Wheeler, Executive Vice President of Health Services for CareFirst. “The results from the first year of our partnership show that this hybrid method of diabetes care does support better health outcomes and we look forward to making it available to additional members in the months and years to come.”  

Ryse currently offers hybrid diabetes care from four locations across the Baltimore/D.C. region and has plans to further expand in the next 12 months. On average, Ryse patients see a 2-point decrease in hemoglobin A1c levels within 90 days and beyond, which outpaces traditional or virtual-only solutions by 50 percent or more. 

“Our members working with Ryse have received personalized care focused on their unique needs. Ryse is well-slated to continue their success as they evolve to meet the needs of individuals with type 2 diabetes,” Wheeler added.  

About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield 

In its 87th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2023, CareFirst infused $233 million in support of regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit www.carefirst.com.   

About Ryse Health 

Ryse Health is an operator of specialty cardiometabolic health clinics custom built for individuals living with complex type 2 diabetes. Its clinical model combines a multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, dietitians, diabetes educators, behavioral health specialists, and health coaches with advanced technology and engages patients in person at Ryse clinics and virtually. Ryse is accepting new patients referred from primary care and hospital-based physicians as well as patients who self refer.