Healthy blood pressure recheck initiative

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is committed to partnering with you to ensure all your patients have controlled blood pressure in 2023. We’re asking you to recheck BP readings greater than 139/89 mmHg at the end of the patient’s appointment. If the reading is still elevated, have them return for a follow-up in a few weeks. Below are easy steps to implement this new initiative into your daily process flows with minimal interruptions to your day:

1. Take the patient’s blood pressure when they are first roomed:
   • Accurate readings can determine if the patient’s medication or lifestyle modifications are helping to control their hypertension.
2. If blood pressure is above 138/89 mmHg, recheck at the end of the appointment:
   • Some patients suffer from visit anxiety and may have a naturally lower reading at the conclusion of the appointment.
   • Develop a re-check reminder system that works best for your office.
3. If blood pressure continues to be elevated after the second reading, schedule the patient for a re-check within the next two weeks:
   • Use other members of the clinical team where appropriate based off licensure, and relay any noteworthy findings the patient reported back to the provider for follow-up. Code 99211 may be applicable for this visit; please refer to coding guidelines for appropriateness.
   • If readings continue to be elevated, update the patient’s care plan to include alternative methods for controlling their blood pressure. 

Document readings properly. Be sure to submit readings via Category II codes or your practice’s clinical data submission method.

Code	Systolic/diastolic	Most recent reading
3074F	Systolic	< 130 mmHg
3075F	Systolic	130-139 mmHg
3077F	Systolic	> 140 mmHg
3078F	Diastolic	< 80 mmHg
3079F	Diastolic	80-89 mmHg
3080F	Diastolic	> 90 mmHg

In need of CME credits? Visit MyDiversePatients.com and take the Medication Adherence course. Learn how to combat medication hesitancy for the patients who are reluctant to take medication to control their hypertension.