What You Should Know:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) today announced that it is growing its network of virtual care providers to treat two chronic conditions: gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and diabetes.
- Oshi Health and Virta Health are now part of Blue Cross’ network and, as part of their agreements with Blue Cross, offer convenient access to virtual care for members.
Expanding Virtual Care to Cure Persistent GI Conditions and Diabetes
Oshi Health and Virta Health each provide specialized virtual care for distinct medical conditions. Oshi Health is dedicated to empowering individuals with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions by delivering a comprehensive, high-touch, multidisciplinary virtual care approach. Virta Health, on the other hand, offers a combination of provider-led virtual care and personalized nutrition, designed to aid people in reducing their blood sugar levels and achieving weight loss without the need for medications. This program aims to reverse type 2 diabetes, guiding individuals towards remission. Oshi highlights that one out of every four Americans grapples with a gastrointestinal condition, and many among them lack access to specialists who can effectively manage their symptoms or an insurance plan to assist with the associated costs.
“Oshi Health’s evidence-based, collaborative care model includes GI-specialized physicians, dietitians, psychologists, social workers, and health coaches – all working together to help individuals achieve lasting symptom control,” said Sameer K. Berry, MD, MBA, co-founder & chief medical officer at Oshi Health. We’re excited to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to bring life-changing relief to its members who struggle with digestive health.”
Additionally, in response to the pressing issue of the primary care physician shortage, Blue Cross has taken significant steps to address the problem by welcoming several primary care groups into its network, which include Eden Health, On Belay Health Solutions, and VillageMD. Earlier this year, Blue Cross introduced an innovative “Virtual Care Team Feature” designed to provide its members with access to a dedicated team of primary care providers. These providers are affiliated with Carbon Health and Firefly Health, both of which not only offer enhanced diabetes support but also bring forward novel strategies for the management of chronic conditions. This concerted effort by Blue Cross aims to expand access to primary care services and bolster the healthcare system’s ability to meet the growing demand for quality medical care.
