Individuals Facing One of 90 Elective Surgeries are Sent Guided Imagery Tapes

Blue Shield's research team also compared claims from 166 hysterectomy patients who reported using the guided imagery tapes and completed surveys against a control group of 183 hysterectomy patients who did not listen to the tapes. The result: 4.5% decrease in average total hospital charges billed for surgery among patients who used guided imagery prior to surgery, and an 8.4% decrease in the average hospital pharmacy charges.

The release notes that from the health plan's perspective, the program has proved to be "extraordinarily cost-effective. The tapes cost $18 per recording versus an average hospital claim savings for billed charges of $654 per participating member. Program director DEBORAH SCHWAB, RN, MS, states: "Our research shows that Blue Shield members define health broadly to include the mind and the body. They want tools like guided imagery that help ease the anxiety they feel during vulnerable moments such as surgery. The fact that guided imagery actually saves money is a wonderful bonus."

Blue Shield also found that acceptance and usage of the program was high: 85% of patients who used it would recommend it to a friend, and 84% would use it again when having surgery. In addition, 75% of members invited to participate in the program decided to use the materials. Blue Shield has decided to expand the guided imagery program to patients in its asthma and cardiac disease management programs. 310-577-7870 or www.mylifepath.com.