CommercialDocumentationMedium impact
Retake to reassure: The case for a second blood pressure check
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice +1 more·Physician
Effective date
Sep 1, 2025
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
BCBS Rhode Island updated best practices for blood pressure measurements to improve accuracy and HEDIS quality scores. The policy emphasizes taking second BP readings when initial readings show uncontrolled hypertension (≥140/90 mm Hg) and provides specific measurement techniques and documentation requirements.
Action Required
Immediately: Clinical staff should implement double BP readings for patients with initial readings ≥140/90 mm Hg. Update BP measurement protocols to ensure patients are seated with back support, legs uncrossed, feet flat, and arm at heart level. For telehealth visits, document patient-reported BP readings with test date and value in patient records. Consider using non-billable CPT Category II codes for data capture to support HEDIS quality reporting.