FEHB FEP Blue Focus
2026 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan - FEP Blue Focus
Introduction/Plain Language/Advisory
Page 8
Introduction/Plain Language/Advisory
Page 8
Preventable Healthcare Acquired Conditions (“Never Events”)
When you enter the hospital for treatment of one medical problem, you do not expect to leave with additional injuries, infections, or other serious conditions that occur during the course of your stay. Although some of these complications may not be avoidable, patients do suffer from injuries or illnesses that could have been prevented if doctors or the hospital had taken proper precautions. Errors in medical care that are clearly identifiable, preventable and serious in their consequences for patients can indicate a significant problem in the safety and credibility of a healthcare facility. These conditions and errors are sometimes called “Never Events” or “Serious Reportable Events.”
We have a benefit payment policy that encourages hospitals to reduce the likelihood of hospital-acquired conditions such as certain infections, severe bedsores, and fractures, and to reduce medical errors that should never happen. When such an event occurs, neither you nor your FEHB plan will incur costs to correct the medical error.
You will not be billed for inpatient services when care is related to treatment of specific hospital-acquired conditions if you use Preferred hospitals. This policy helps to protect you from having to pay for the cost of treating these conditions, and it encourages hospitals to improve the quality of care they provide.
When you enter the hospital for treatment of one medical problem, you do not expect to leave with additional injuries, infections, or other serious conditions that occur during the course of your stay. Although some of these complications may not be avoidable, patients do suffer from injuries or illnesses that could have been prevented if doctors or the hospital had taken proper precautions. Errors in medical care that are clearly identifiable, preventable and serious in their consequences for patients can indicate a significant problem in the safety and credibility of a healthcare facility. These conditions and errors are sometimes called “Never Events” or “Serious Reportable Events.”
We have a benefit payment policy that encourages hospitals to reduce the likelihood of hospital-acquired conditions such as certain infections, severe bedsores, and fractures, and to reduce medical errors that should never happen. When such an event occurs, neither you nor your FEHB plan will incur costs to correct the medical error.
You will not be billed for inpatient services when care is related to treatment of specific hospital-acquired conditions if you use Preferred hospitals. This policy helps to protect you from having to pay for the cost of treating these conditions, and it encourages hospitals to improve the quality of care they provide.