
BCBS AIM is a healthcare analytics platform that uses data and analytics to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce costs. It was developed by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association to help healthcare providers make informed decisions.
The platform uses machine learning algorithms to analyze large datasets and identify patterns and trends. This helps healthcare providers to identify high-risk patients and prevent costly hospital readmissions.
BCBS AIM has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. In one study, it was found that hospitals using the platform saw a 10% reduction in hospital readmissions.
The platform also helps healthcare providers to identify areas where they can improve care coordination and reduce unnecessary tests and procedures.
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Prior Authorization Program
The Prior Authorization Program is a crucial part of AIM's services, ensuring that care aligns with established evidence-based medicine. AIM provides required prior authorization review and approvals for select outpatient services for members of certain plans.

The affected plans include Blue Choice PPO, Blue Essentials, Blue Premier and Blue Premier Access, Blue Advantage HMO, MyBlue Health, Blue High Performance Network, and Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) participants.
To determine if prior authorization is required, providers need to check with AIM before rendering services, as services can vary depending on the patient's benefits.
Ordering physicians or servicing providers can submit prior authorization requests to AIM. For joint and spine surgery, providers will first contact AIM for medical necessity determination, then contact BCBSTX for final determination of length of stay and level of care.
Payment may be denied if procedures are performed without authorization, and healthcare providers may not bill the patient.
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Benefits and Features
BCBS AIM offers a wide range of benefits and features that make it an attractive option for individuals and families.
With BCBS AIM, you can enjoy a large network of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals.

BCBS AIM also provides a user-friendly online portal that allows you to manage your health plan, view claims, and communicate with your healthcare providers.
The plan offers a range of preventive care services, including annual physicals, vaccinations, and screenings, at no additional cost to you.
BCBS AIM also provides financial assistance with prescription medications, including discounts and lower copays for certain medications.
Additionally, the plan offers a wellness program that provides incentives for healthy behaviors, such as gym memberships and healthy eating programs.
Blue Distinction Maternity Care
Blue Distinction Maternity Care is a program that recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that provide high-quality maternity care. This program evaluates facilities based on various components, including access to cultural humility and unconscious bias training.
The program asks if the facility provides access to cultural humility and unconscious bias training for everyone in the maternal care continuum, which is a crucial aspect of providing quality care to diverse patients. This training helps reduce health care disparities and promotes a more inclusive environment.
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Some of the key indicators of a Blue Distinction Maternity Care Center include:
- Availability of nurse midwives, doulas, and birthing centers in provider networks
- Education and awareness of post-birth complications and warning signs for members
- Participation in a Perinatal Quality Collaborative
- Use of race and ethnicity data to reduce health care disparities
- Availability of doulas to members at the facility
By choosing a Blue Distinction Maternity Care Center, patients can expect a lower percentage of early elective deliveries and a lower cesarean section delivery rate, as demonstrated by BDC Maternity Centers in 2020.
Core Components for Blue Distinction Maternity Care Centers:
Blue Distinction Maternity Care Centers are evaluated based on several key components that ensure high-quality care for mothers and their babies. One of the key components is access to cultural humility and unconscious bias training for everyone in the maternal care continuum.
The facilities are also evaluated on how they collect and use race and ethnicity data to reduce healthcare disparities. This includes what data is collected, how staff are trained to collect it, and how it's used to improve care.
Nurse midwives, doulas, and birthing centers are also crucial components of a Blue Distinction Maternity Care Center. Facilities are evaluated on the availability of these resources in their provider networks.
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Facilities are also assessed on their education and awareness of post-birth complications and warning signs for members. This includes whether they provide education and awareness to new mothers.
Availability of doulas to members at the facility is another key component. Facilities are expected to have doulas available to support new mothers.
To ensure high-quality care, Blue Distinction Maternity Care Centers are also required to participate in a Perinatal Quality Collaborative. This helps facilities stay up-to-date with national standards and best practices.
Here are the core components of a Blue Distinction Maternity Care Center:
- Access to cultural humility and unconscious bias training
- Race and ethnicity data collection and use
- Availability of nurse midwives, doulas, and birthing centers
- Education and awareness of post-birth complications
- Availability of doulas to members
- Participation in a Perinatal Quality Collaborative
Impact of Blue Distinction Maternity Centers
Blue Distinction Maternity Centers have made a significant impact on the quality of maternity care. In 2020, these centers demonstrated a lower percentage of early elective deliveries, including 75% fewer early elective deliveries.
By choosing a Blue Distinction Maternity Center, expectant mothers can benefit from a lower cesarean section delivery rate, which is 24% lower compared to non-designated providers.
Controversy and Response

The controversy surrounding BCBS AIM is largely centered around its impact on patient care. BCBS AIM has been criticized for prioritizing cost savings over quality of care.
One of the main concerns is that BCBS AIM may lead to undertreatment of patients, as some studies have shown that it can result in reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of BCBS AIM on patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aim now carelon?
AIM Specialty Health transitioned to Carelon Medical Benefits Management Inc. in March 2023, but this name change does not affect how AIM works with health plans and providers
What happened to aim specialty health?
AIM Specialty Health is now known as Carelon Medical Benefits Management, effective March 1, 2023. This name change affects all related resources, including our website and utilization management content.
Sources
- https://publicsitestx.hcsc.net/provider/clinical/aim_specialty_health.html
- https://www.bcbs.com/about-us/programs-initiatives/blue-distinction-specialty-care
- https://www.bcbs.com/news-and-insights/article/new-patient-quality-measurements-aim-improve-care-mom-and-baby
- https://www.carelon.com/sign-in-or-register
- https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2022/03/25/lawmakers-take-aim-blue-cross-blue-shield-after-clinic-controversy/7167833001/
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