Blue Cross tests 'medical home' model

Improving patient care and curbing rising health care costs are among the goals of an effort Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is launching on Friday.

The six-month trial program involves primary care doctors, clinics and patients in nine Nebraska cities including Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney.

The program is intended to test the effectiveness of the “medical home” model. Under that model, a primary care doctor is established as the main provider and coordinator of a patient's health care needs, said Dr. Bill Minier, vice president and chief medical officer for Blue Cross.