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.