Blue Apple Award recognizes excellence in evidence-based care
FARGO, N.D. - Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) received a Blue Apple Award from the Federal Employee Program (FEP), recognizing outstanding performance on a healthcare quality measure focused on low back pain care. The award is presented annually to Blue plans that demonstrate excellence in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.
BCBSND was recognized for its performance on the Low Back Pain measure, which evaluates whether members receive appropriate care without unnecessary imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans or MRIs, when those tests are not clinically recommended. The measure supports national best practices that help ensure members receive the right care at the right time.
The Federal Employee Program serves approximately 4 million federal employees, retirees and family members nationwide, making it the largest private health insurance contract in the world. BCBSND administers the program for federal employees and families across North Dakota.
In North Dakota, BCBSND serves approximately 20,000 federal employees, retirees and dependents through the FEP plan.
Low back pain is one of the most common health conditions worldwide and the leading cause of disability globally. According to the World Health Organization, most people experience low back pain at some point in their lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 40% of U.S. adults experienced back pain during a three-month period.
"This recognition reflects our commitment to helping members receive high-quality, evidence-based care," said Market President Lacey Bergh. "When members receive the right care at the right time, they often avoid unnecessary tests, reduce healthcare costs and achieve better outcomes."
The Blue Apple Awards recognize plans that achieve exceptional performance on key quality measures established by the Federal Employee Program.
The award adds to a growing list of recognitions that reflect the organization's commitment to quality, service and community impact, including:
- URAC Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder Parity Accreditation, becoming one of the first health plans in the nation to earn the accreditation.
- USA Today America's Best Customer Service Award, recognizing BCBSND's commitment to member-focused service.
- NCQA Accreditation, a nationally recognized mark of quality and operational excellence.
The award reflects the work of BCBSND's quality, care management and provider partnership teams, who collaborate year-round to improve health outcomes and support affordable healthcare for members.
Looking ahead, BCBSND remains focused on improving access to care, strengthening affordability and enhancing the experience for members and employers through innovative health care solutions, personalized support and exceptional service.
Learn more at www.bcbsnd.com.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
BCBSND was founded in 1940 with the mission to provide members with affordable access to health care across the state. As an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), BCBSND is committed to transforming care and health across the state to improve outcomes, lower cost trends and make it easier to shop, buy and use health care coverage. Members have access to unmatched local service and to a comprehensive network of health care providers across the state, the nation and more than 190 countries.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health IndexSM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com.
