Anthem BCBS Virginia Launches ER Alternative Finders

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia has created a Google Map that identifies emergency room alternatives, such as retail health clinics, urgent care centers and walk-in doctor offices, for members with conditions that require attention below the emergency room level.

Physicians can access these maps also in order to quickly help direct their patients to the best care based on their specific situation, the company said. It is using interactive voice recognition calls and e-mail messaging to inform members of their options, and plans to launch an iPhone application later this year.

"Traditionally, emergency room visits are some of the most expensive episodes in the health care industry," C. Burke King, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, says in a statement. "By utilizing technology to provide general education in innovative ways, we can help our members make better educated health care decisions and be better stewards of their health care dollar."

Humana also uses mobile to help its members find urgent care centers.

Nathan Golia is senior editor of Insurance & Technology. He joined the publication in 2010 as associate editor and covers all aspects of the nexus between insurance and information technology, including mobility, distribution, core systems, customer interaction, and risk ... View Full Bio