Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Launches “CloseKnit” Virtual-First Primary Care Option

What You Should Know: 

– Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (“Blue Cross”) today announced the launch of CloseKnit, a new virtual-first primary care option designed to provide members with accessible and convenient health support. 

– As part of their agreement, CloseKnit is actively participating in Blue Cross’s value-based payment program, aligning with the insurer’s commitment to quality and affordability while ensuring members receive timely primary care services.

Addressing a Critical Need: Expanding Primary Care Access

The introduction of CloseKnit aims to directly combat the challenges posed by the ongoing physician shortage and improve how members engage with their foundational healthcare.

“Primary care is the foundation of good health,” said Dr. Ashley Yeats, Blue Cross’ vice president of medical operations. “Not only can virtual primary care help alleviate the physician shortage, but it gives our members access to more care options and can improve their overall experience.”

This initiative, offering both virtual and in-person primary care access, is now available to most Blue Cross members and comes at a critical juncture as Massachusetts continues to grapple with a significant shortage of primary care physicians.

Introducing CloseKnit: Convenient and Comprehensive Care

CloseKnit offers a wide array of services accessible via smartphone, computer, or through in-person appointments at its clinic located at One Post Office Square in downtown Boston. These services include:

• Preventive care
• Sick/urgent care
• Chronic care management
• Disease management

In addition to these core services, CloseKnit members will benefit from a dedicated care team comprising doctors, nurses, and Health Guides. This team is tasked with supporting individual health needs and navigating patients to the most appropriate care pathways.

“It’s exciting to bring CloseKnit to Massachusetts,” said Mary Jane Favazza, CEO of CloseKnit. “Care is personal. We want our patients to feel how much we care about them from the start and understand that our goal is to provide the care they need, when and where they need it.”