WellPoint Vies for Ga. Health Programs Information Contract
WellPoint Health Networks is competing with two Texas-based companies, Affiliated Computer Services and Electronic Data Systems, for a $60 million per year contract to administer the Georgia Department of Community Health's new claims processing and medical information system, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The new system will provide online access to information about Georgia's health plans, including deductibles, formularies and participating physicians and hospitals. In addition, the new system will allow hospitals, physicians, nursing homes and other medical providers to submit claims electronically. Georgia health officials say that the new system, which also will provide general information about chronic diseases, will allow the department to analyze disease treatment programs. Russ Toal, DCH commissioner, said, "With improved access to health information, the department will be able to identify and respond to emerging trends and better support disease management initiatives to improve the health of plan members." The contract will be awarded next month, and implementation of the system is slated for October 2002 (Miller, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/16).
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