New Multi-payer Web Portal Unveiled

Physicians Advocated for Simplified System

The Ohio Osteopathic Association, as a part of a statewide initiative between AHIP, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and eight leading health plans in Ohio, is encouraging members to explore Availity, a multi-payer web portal solution for researching a patient's eligibility and benefits coverage; managing referrals to specialists; clearing authorizations for treatment; and submitting and reviewing the disposition of claims.

"Physicians have been urging the insurance industry for many years to eliminate duplication and simplify transactions for physicians and patients," said OOA President Christopher J. Loyke, DO.  "Since it's time-consuming and frustrating for physician offices to deal individually with multiple payers who offer a wide variety of plans with different coverage benefits, this online portal will allow offices to work more efficiently."

The Availity health information network and web portal will help OOA members achieve administrative savings by simplifying the exchange of information between providers and payers.

The Ohio portal initiative is a one-of-a-kind collaborative effort between health plans, medical providers and professional associations to deliver immediate efficiencies and cost savings across the continuum of care.

"We are pleased that America's Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association are working together to improve patient service and help reduce administrative costs for physicians," Loyke said.  "We hope this project will prove successful and eventually involve all health care plans in Ohio."

Consistent usage and early adoption of the Availity portal as a savings tool will give Ohio a greater voice in defining best practices in health care administrative processes.

Health plans participating in the multi-payer portal include:

• Aetna
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• CIGNA
• Humana
• Kaiser Permanente
• Medical Mutual of Ohio
• UnitedHealthcare
• WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

For more information and to register for the portal, go to www.availity.com.