Health Savings Account Blog

The secure, HIPAA-compliant database is comprised of claims information (with no personal identifiers) from 79 million lives -- significantly larger than existing healthcare databases. Twenty Blue Cross Blue Shield plans currently are participating in BHI (see list below). Access to the aggregate data will be available only to the participating Plans.

"BHI will play a central role in transforming the present healthcare system into a focused, knowledge-based healthcare system," said BCBSA President and CEO Scott P. Serota. "In the near term, BHI will support the efforts of employers to better manage the healthcare benefits they offer their employees. Eventually, BHI will provide consumers with the information they need to make informed healthcare decisions and will heighten collaboration with providers as they deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to their patients."

"Blue Health Intelligence will ultimately provide an unparalleled depth and breadth of information about a range of health trends and measures. This information will help Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans work with their customers to develop and offer more valuable employee benefits," said Gail K. Boudreaux, Health Care Service Corporation's executive vice president for external operations, and BHI board co-chair. "The amount and level of information offered by BHI will enhance patient care and greatly inform healthcare decision making. We are proud to have contributed to the development of what will be a great asset to healthcare in this country."

Consumers are playing an increasing role in managing their healthcare, but they still need better knowledge-based tools to help them make the right decisions. "An empowered healthcare consumer needs access to credible information to make more informed choices," said Robert J. Greczyn, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, and co-chair of the BHI board. "When fully operational, BHI will offer consumers useful information as they consider their healthcare options. BHI will set the industry standard."

The development of BHI over the last several years responds to the demands of employers, consumers, and providers who are calling for credible and actionable data to drive informed, evidence-based decision making. BHI is currently being pilot-tested and will be operational by 2007.

As BHI evolves, the resource will provide a number of benefits to employers, consumers, providers and other stakeholders, such as:

- Sharper insight into healthcare trends and best clinical practices;

- Information about the efficacy of certain treatments and new medical technologies as well as emerging trends in healthcare practice and delivery;

- Benchmarking data to assist in conducting comparative analyses across a number of healthcare components; and

- Opportunities for health services research.

To listen to the media conference call announcing Blue Health Intelligence, call 954.797.0718, participant code - 867443.

BHI Participating Plans offered at HSA for America

- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Colorado
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nevada
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
- Blue Cross of California
- Blue Shield of Califorina

Learn more about Health Savings Accounts at: http://www.health--savings--accounts.com