When a doctor takes a call or responds to an email from a patient, or when a medical assistant reminds a patient about an overdue exam or unfilled prescription, the medical practice typically doesn't get paid for its time. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is taking a small step to change that. The health insurer is creating contracts that will pay primary care physicians a monthly fee to help cover the time-consuming tasks that keep people healthy. "Care coordination doesn't just happen," said John Foley, a regional vice president who oversees contracting for Anthem Blue Cross. The contracts also will reward physicians who meet certain quality and performance goals and who provide care at a lower cost.
