CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What concept did Blue Shield (BS) incorporate upon its establishment in 1938?

1. Mandatory health insurance

2. Voluntary health insurance that encourages cooperation among physicians

3. Universal healthcare coverage

4. Government-subsidized health plans

The correct answer is: Voluntary health insurance that encourages cooperation among physicians

The correct answer is that Blue Shield incorporated the concept of voluntary health insurance that encourages cooperation among physicians upon its establishment in 1938. This was a significant development in the healthcare industry at the time, as it aimed to provide a service that allowed patients to receive medical care without the overwhelming burden of direct out-of-pocket expenses for each service rendered. The model promoted collaboration among healthcare providers, allowing for the creation of networks where physicians could work together to deliver care more effectively. This cooperative approach was designed to enhance the quality of care and ensure that physicians were fairly compensated while also making healthcare more accessible to patients. The other options, such as mandatory health insurance or universal healthcare coverage, reflect different concepts that were either not prominent at the time of Blue Shield's inception or have emerged in later health policy discussions. Additionally, government-subsidized health plans refer to a different structure that came into play later, particularly as healthcare reform evolved. Thus, the focus on voluntary participation and cooperation among providers was a defining characteristic of Blue Shield at its founding.