Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Announces It Will Unilaterally Implement Key Provisions of the 'Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act'

ATLANTA, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) announced today it will unilaterally implement key provisions of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act introduced by U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro. These new provisions include more transparent benefit language including clear explanations of benefits to members with breast cancer, and the provisions standardize minimum recovery times in the hospital for women recovering from mastectomy.

The adoption of these provisions builds on BCBSGA's existing leadership in breast cancer treatment. While variability exists within clinical guidelines and state regulations, the vast majority of BCBSGA's members already receive the standard of care indicated in the legislation. However, BCBSGA believes that applying this universal minimum standard will both benefit our members, as well as encourage others in the industry to follow and adopt this standard. Beginning July 1, 2010, BCBSGA will standardize clinical guidelines for women recovering from mastectomy, and will continue to offer a voluntary 48-hour minimum in-hospital stay.

"Women recovering from breast cancer surgery, in consultation with their physicians, will decide whether hospitalization for 48 hours is required," said Robert McCormack, Medical Director, BCBSGA. "We are committed to making medical coverage decisions for women with breast cancer that are in accord with the latest scientific evidence and clinical research. It's important for us and our members that BCBSGA continues to lead in this area," he added.

"We continue to work with the American Cancer Society and academic thought leaders to gain real-world knowledge of breast cancer treatments that will shape improvements in care for women diagnosed and living with breast cancer, or who are in remission," said McCormack. "Our goal is to ensure that our members receive optimal care."

BCBSGA also champions effective member communication and transparency regarding breast cancer diagnosis and treatment options. More than 3,000 nurses and clinical associates work with members daily, to encourage detection of breast cancer at its earliest stages and to ensure that members are receiving the best breast cancer treatments available. Toward that end, BCBSGA is taking steps to provide more straight-forward explanations of benefits so that members more clearly understand their treatment options.

"BCBSGA works diligently to ensure that all of our members are getting best practice care," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "We are especially proud of our record in improving care for women with breast cancer and believe these added measures will increase the quality of care that our members receive."

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association® . The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is available at www.bcbsga.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia