In the healthcare industry, change has always been a constant, but it has accelerated dramatically in recent years. Consumer expectations are rising as a result of changes in other industries. Prices are continuing to climb, and more complex medical services are becoming more readily available. Digitization and automation are accelerating across the board as a result of new data-driven technologies. Five payers have recently announced plans to better serve their customers and partners by utilizing digital technologies.
- Anthem: Anthem is a supporter of Emory Healthcare’s Innovation Hub, which is fostering innovation in the healthcare industry through digital solutions. The alliance will largely focus on the development of 5G technologies in order to improve patient experiences and affordability.
- Cigna: StressWaves is a digital technology developed by Cigna detects a user’s stress level by listening to their voice. The solution, which went live on Aug. 10, analyses how stressed a user is and alerts them to potential stress-related consequences.
- Geisinger: Through tech-driven cooperation with Cognizant, Geisinger Health Plan met CMS’ new interoperability mandate. The most recent solution gives government program participants internet access to their medical records.
- BCBS: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield has partnered with Andros to develop a new application programming interface that will speed up the credentialing process. As a result, application statuses will be transparent in real-time.
- UnitedHealthcare: Outside of a few exceptions, UnitedHealthcare is moving to digital proof of payment notifications for 12 Western states, using its provider portal, Optum Pay, to eliminate paper notifications. The initiative is in line with the insurer’s other efforts to transition payment processes from paper to digital.
