DETROIT — Researchers from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University have been awarded a total of $2,741,501 for three research studies to evaluate several aspects of the Michigan Blues’ Value Partnerships programs.  The highly competitive research grants will allow experienced, outside researchers to test and validate several collaborative quality programs run by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and determine their relevance on a national scale.

First, with a $405,000, three-year grant from The Commonwealth Fund, principal investigators from the University of Michigan will examine the effectiveness of the Physician Group Incentive program, and evaluate the PGIP initiatives’ impact on the quality, cost and efficiency of care provided by Michigan physicians.

“We will look closely at the collaborative nature of the PGIP program, to understand the ways in which physicians and payers can work together to achieve outcomes that benefit all,” says Christy Lemak, PhD, principal investigator for the study.

 Second, with a $477,496, three-year grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, investigators from the University

of Michigan will study physicians’ progress on transforming their practices into the Blues’ Patient Centered Medical Home model.  Researchers will investigate how practices have succeeded, and identify the processes, tools and resources that have contributed to their success.