Genesys Health Works Awarded Two-Year Grant

GENESEE COUNTY, MI – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation (BCBSM)
awarded Genesys HealthWorks a two-year grant for $176,356 to further develop
health navigator services within the patient-centered medical home, in
partnership with the Genesys Physician Hospital Organization (PHO).

Genesys HealthWorks navigators are members of a primary care provider’s team.
They support patients in adopting healthier lifestyles and obtaining
recommended screenings to help prevent disease. This process begins with
patients working with their physician and setting attainable goals for
lifestyle changes. The health navigator follows up with patients to help
identify and overcome obstacles so goals can be reached and maintained.

The Genesys HealthWorks health navigator service is unique in that it is part
of the patient-centered medical home, a model of care aimed at enhancing
primary care services; and placing a greater emphasis on chronic care, disease
prevention, a strong physician-patient relationship, and patient
self-management, explains Trissa Torres, MD, MSPH, FACPM, medical director of
Genesys HealthWorks.

The purpose of this initiative is to improve health outcomes for the leading
causes of death in Michigan – heart disease, cancer and stroke – which are
directly linked to unhealthy behaviors, Dr. Torres reports.

“Our goal is to make health work for the people we serve by focusing on health
rather than just disease,” Dr. Torres emphazsizes.

The health navigator service in the patient-centered medical home is one of
many Genesys HealthWorks initiatives aimed at improving health, reducing costs,
and improving the patient and provider satisfaction experience.

“Our goal through HealthWorks is to make health work for the people we serve,”
Dr. Torres adds.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation is dedicated to improving the
health of Michigan residents through the support of research and innovative
programs.