Administrative simplification—reducing the
hassle factor, streamlining policies and procedures
and decreasing nonproductive work—has been a key
focus of Regence BlueShield for several years. As part
of that commitment, we’ve been an active participant
in the Washington Healthcare Forum, (the Forum) a statewide
organization committed to improving the health care
system.
In the Spring of 2002, the Forum unveiled 10 new policies
and procedures for administrative simplification. These
policies, and new initiatives the Forum is developing,
are now available only at the new Forum
web site.
We hope you’ll check out the new
site. In addition to administrative simplification
initiatives, you’ll also find information on Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
transactions.
Washington Healthcare Forum
The Washington Healthcare Forum (the Forum),
the only private statewide organization in Washington
that includes health plans, hospitals, physicians and
purchasers, has unveiled a new web Web
site that outlines activities the coalition has
undertaken over the past two years to improve the health
care system.
| The Forum's mission is to: |
- Streamline and simplify healthcare financing
and delivery across the state
- Advance a public dialogue on sustainable
solutions to the challenges facing the health
care system.
|
The Forum represents a broad spectrum of the industry,
including four leading health plans, two provider associations,
a health plan association, three large health systems
and purchasers.
Forum members include:
- Association of Washington Business
- Association of Washington Healthcare Plans
- Everett Clinic
- First Choice Health Network
- Group Health Cooperative
- Inland Northwest Health Services
|
- Premera Blue Cross
- Providence Health System Washington
- Regence Blue Shield
- Swedish Health Services
- Washington State Hospital Association
- Washington State Medical Association
|
Leaders of the Forum initially identified two key areas
to decrease hassle and non-productive work between providers
and health plans: administrative simplification and electronic
solutions for the secure exchange of information. These
focus areas represent significant opportunities to dramatically
reduce unnecessary paperwork and improve cash flow. In
the summer of 2003, the Forum added activities relating
to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA). The Forum’s 10 policies and procedures
for administrative simplification as well as information
about our HIPAA activities are available for the first
time online. We hope you’ll explore the new
site.
|
