CHICAGO – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) will be one of the first insurers to launch a new health information sharing platform—establishing a two-way exchange of information at the point of care between BCBSIL and providers in our networks who use the Epic electronic health record system.
This agreement with Epic is designed to create a Payer Platform, which will be a secure, interconnected and efficient health system and information exchange between insurers, providers, and patients to:
- Review patient data (medical records, emergency room visits, diagnostic evaluations, lab results, claims, etc.).
- Streamline administrative processes, such as prior authorizations, paying claims, and other points of service.
- Facilitate a care management strategy and identify gaps in care, helping patients make smart care choices that will help reduce personal health care costs.
“Our strong network of community providers is the reason we can help our members access high quality, affordable health care. Sharing data with those providers at the point of care can be a great way to make a real difference in patient care and lower health costs,” said Krishna Ramachandran, Vice President of Provider Performance at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “This agreement will help advance access to a truly integrated value-based care delivery system, while giving our providers and members actionable information to make more informed care decisions.”
Epic’s electronic health record software is used by more than two thirds of providers and patients across the country. More than 250 million individuals worldwide have a medical record with Epic, including approximately 84% of all patients in Illinois.
“This relationship connects the provider, the payer, and the patient in a trusted network,” said Alan Hutchison, Vice President of Population Health at Epic. “It will enable a more robust, data-driven approach to improving patient health. It will also streamline administrative processes such as the authorization process for providers, so patients can receive more timely access to appropriate care.”
The Payer Platform will launch later this year for select BCBSIL-contracted providers and health systems who already use Epic. This agreement represents BCBSIL’s ongoing commitment to enhance the exchange of health data to improve patient outcomes and experience with their health care.
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