“This is a fairly unique approach that demonstrates both the power of the clinical and economic data we've amassed to date, as well as the dramatic need for new technologies and clinical pathways that improve care for people with type 2 diabetes who use insulin,” Eran Bashan, Hygieia's CEO and co-founder, said in a statement.
Patients for the study will be first selected through Oakland-Southfield Physicians and later will be expanded to other practices.
Ann Baker, Blue Cross' vice president of wellness and care management, said the effort is part of the company's ongoing efforts to identify new and innovative programs that will improve members' care and service.
“We evaluated data from the use of d-Nav in the United Kingdom and are excited to explore d-Nav's potential to both improve patient care and reduce costs for our members in Michigan with type 2 diabetes,” Baker said in a statement.
“We are the first health plan in the United States to evaluate d-Nav as part of our mission to provide innovative solutions for our members with chronic conditions.”
In a statement, Hygieia said the use of the d-Nav service could save up to $100 million in pharmacy and other health care costs for diabetic patients in Michigan.
Blue Cross officials say they will evaluate the cost savings associated with the d-Nav service as compared to the standard of care.
An independent health-economics research organization will assess whether patients referred to the d-Nav service had similar or better outcomes — at a lower cost — compared with patients receiving the standard of care.
A previous study in the United Kingdom found that patients using the d-Nav service experienced a significant drop in average blood glucose, or HbA1c, and a substantial reduction in diabetes care costs within 12 months.
The study was conducted by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, which is part of the UK's National Health Service.
