ROUNDUP: Blue Cross of CA Inks Online Info Deal
HealthAxis.com: HealthAxis.com, Inc., the "leading provider of online solutions for health insurance marketing, administration and sales," announced it is teaming up with Blue Cross of California to offer state residents access to online quotes, plan information and comparisons. The site allows Californians to purchase Blue Cross health plans for themselves and their families; offering six PPO medical products, optional dental and term life plans as well as fully licensed agents and customer service professions, seven days a week, to answer questions or assist in filling out forms. Blue Cross of California currently covers more than 25% of California citizens, servicing over 5 million members (HealthAxis.com release, 1/12).
eHealthInsurance.com
The Sunnyvale, CA-based Internet company eHealthInsurance.com received additional financing totalling $42 million from new backers Goldman Sachs & Co., Dell Computer Corp. and Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Inc.'s venture capital affiliate, Sprout Group. The online company plans to use the money to broaden its customer base -- including small businesses and seniors -- by increasing its selection of health insurance options. The funds will also finance marketing and advertising campaigns, new staff and expansion of operations (Dow Jones News Service, 1/11).
NFSN and Weather Channel
The National Flu Surveillance Network (NFSN) and the Weather Channel are joining forces to report on the influenza outbreaks across the U.S. Beginning in mid-January, information, including flu alert surveillance maps and comprehensive health maps, on NFSN's www.fluwatch.com will be featured on the Weather Channel's "Health" site at www.weather.com/health. Using the ZstaFlu rapid flu diagnostic test, viewers will be able to track flu outbreaks online courtesy of NFSN. Also, updates on disease status in all 50 states and selected cities will be available (ZymeTx release, 1/11).
MotherNature.com
MotherNature.com, a leader in online information and sales of vitamins, supplements, minerals and other natural and healthy living products, announced partnerships with two of the country's foremost alternative health care organizations, Landmark Healthcare and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). The two groups will market MotherNature.com to each of its millions of patients and health care practitioners (MotherNature.com release, 1/6).
Clinical Trial Web Sites
Bethesda, MD-based drugMonitor.com, Inc. announced Monday its plans to open the first Internet site devoted to helping patients and physicians enroll in clinical trials and research studies. The site, www.drugmonitor.com, will offer general information on the enrollment process, a list of current tests seeking volunteers and an online application. With this "quick, easy way to enroll," the site allows applicants to know if they are eligible within 24 hours (Baltimore Sun, 1/11). Joining drugMonitor.com is AmericasDoctor.com, which, after announcing its merger with Affiliated Research Centers Inc., plans to launch its own site to help find participants for pharmaceutical research (Murray, Baltimore Sun, 1/11).