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Research and Demonstration Projects
The Center works primarily through designing and funding demonstration projects within two principal areas of focus:
- Care Delivery and Financing System
- Population Health and Access to Care
CHRT is most interested in projects that can be applied on a broad scale and are replicable in a variety of communities and care delivery settings. While projects are focused in Michigan, the Center also seeks to contribute to the national debate on health care reform and selects projects in part based on their potential for national impact.
Principal researchers for CHRT projects typically come from the University of Michigan community, and the principal “laboratory” is the members, providers, and health plans of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan/Blue Care Network.
Angiography
Assessing variation in coronary angiogram readings and the impact of variation on PCI use; developing tools for physicians to reduce the inappropriate use of coronary revascularizations.
Cardiology
Increasing patient involvement in treatment decision making for stable coronary artery disease.
Influenza
Developing and testing a reminder system to improve influenza vaccination rates among Michigan’s chronically ill children.
Mental Health Parity
Measuring the impact on quality and cost resulting from expansion of mental health and addiction treatment benefits at U-M.
Patient Centered Medical Home
(with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) Investigating barriers and opportunities as physician practices attempt to implement PCMH capabilities; analyzing PCMH functionality with quality/cost outcomes.
Pediatric Observation Beds
Evaluating the impact of observation protocols to reduce pediatric inpatient admissions.
Public Health Departments
Identifying impacts of organizational structure and change in state health departments on public health priorities, resources, and service delivery.
Radiology
Implementing interactive physician/patient education tools and developing emergency department protocols with potential for reducing the inappropriate use of high tech radiology for low back pain.
Safety Net
Examining how Michigan's health care safety net providers can enhance organizational and operational efficiencies.
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A non-profit partnership between
University of Michigan Health System &
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan