Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan plans soon to designate about 1,000 doctors in primary-care practices as part of its medical homes program. It’s likely the largest medical homes effort nationwide and one of hte first to go beyond the pilot stage.

Cleveland’s MetroHealth System on Monday officially launched its pilot of the medical homes concept — MetroHealth Partners in Care. MetroHealth Partners in Care aims at improving patient health, clearing away barriers to medical care — and lowering the cost of that care — through a coordinated team of medical professionals who are centered around patient needs.