BLUE SHIELD: Introduces Member Verification Web Site
In a move aimed to cut red tape, Blue Shield of California announced Monday that it had added a physician section on its website, www.blueshieldca.com, that provides instant and secure member eligibility verification. The service, called Provider Connection, lists eligibility for Blue Shield's HMO and POS plans, and also posts the company's formulary, physician and facility newsletters, policy and procedures, links to medical resources, FAQs and contact information. Also available on the site is an Online CME program, which allows doctors to take courses and earn education credits from their homes or offices. Physicians with HMO or medial group Blue Shield contracts can access the site. PPO and Medicare HMO data will be added later this year. "These innovations will benefit members, physicians and medical office staff members. It's our first step toward fast, easy and comprehensive Internet communication between Blue Shield and health care professionals of all sorts" (Blue Shield release, 3/1).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.