Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) and South Shore Health System have launched a first-of-its-kind pilot program to improve patient care, slow the rise of health care costs, and change the way hospitals are paid.

One year after being chosen as the pilot site for a one-of-its-kind study, South Shore Hospital, part of South Shore Health, has seen a nearly 4-percent decrease in its first time cesarean section rate while continuing to improve communication, patient experience and outcomes during childbirth.

Massachusetts Society of Addiction Medicine President and South Shore Health's Medical Director of Addiction Medicine Todd Kerensky, MD speaks outside the State House at an April 20 press conference hosted by Prisoners' Legal Services of Massachusetts.