An engaged patient is knowledgeable—informed on the issues of quality and affordability, aware of their medical history, and educated on any disease or chronic condition they may be living with. An engaged patient asks questions, shares information, and is an active partner with their health care provider in all medical decisions.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts gives our members the tools and information they need to become engaged patients. Many of these tools are available through member central. For those who are not a members of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, similar tools are available online through other organizations. Please visit the External Links section of our Resource Room to learn more and access these websites.

Tiered Networks

We're offering new insurance products that are specially designed to help our members become more engaged in their health care. Tiered network products, for instance, encourage members to choose doctors and hospitals that balance high quality and effective care with value.

Quality Data & Tools

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts offers a number of resources to our members that help them make the decisions that are best for them. Easy-to-use tools help members use quality and cost data to help decide which doctor or hospital to use, help budget for a medical issue, and take control of their medical records.

• Hospital Advisor—An online support tool that allows members to quickly and easily create an independent comparison of hospitals by procedure or diagnosis near where they live or work.



• Treatment Cost Estimator—Want to learn what certain medical procedures have generally cost? With the Treatment Cost Estimator, members can explore the typical costs for 21 categories of medical conditions.



• Find a Doctor—Search for providers and specialists online—even create your own personalized directory. Members can also call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) to find a hospital or doctor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.



• Blue Care Line^SM—Not sure if your sprained ankle needs more than just ice packs? Have a child with an earache that won't go away? If you have a health care concern you're not sure how to treat, call the Blue Care Line, anytime, toll-free at 1-888-247-BLUE (2583).



• Google^TM Health—We were the first health insurer in the country to integrate with Google Health, allowing our members to take control of their personal health records (PHR). Using Google Health, our members can securely collect, manage, and share their medical records. Health experts agree that a PHR is a vital tool that will help a patient's doctors coordinate his or her care. They also say a PHR can help prevent the misuse of health care by alerting doctors to potential medication mistakes.