Online Provider Directories are More Than Just Phone Books

When our members are looking for information on participating Blue Plan providers in Iowa, South Dakota, or anywhere in the country, they need look no further than www.wellmark.com. The Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Web site offers access to a wide variety of provider demographic, cost, and quality information—and more is on the way.

National BlueCard^® Provider Directory Enhanced

The National Doctor and Hospital Finder (BlueCard) found on www.wellmark.com was enhanced in January 2008 by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association to help meet the growing demand for information that will help members make informed decisions about their health care, no matter where they live. This information now includes:

• Basic provider demographic information (locations, contact information, specialty).
• Enhanced information such as hospital affiliation, board certification, medical training, extended hours, wheelchair accessibility, languages spoken, recognition for participation in national quality and safety initiatives, and much more.
• Search capability that allows side by side comparisons of up to three providers.
• Hospital-specific CMS quality and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) patient safety information from WebMD.
• Leapfrog Group hospital patient safety index compiled by Medstat.
• Cost information for common medical procedures by zip code.
• Profiles of the Blue Distinctions Centers^sm for Bariatric Surgery, Cardiac Care and Transplants.

Other enhancements to the national directory will be introduced later in 2008, including the ability to search for quality data on specific procedures by hospital, and information on inpatient patient experience. For more information on what’s available on the site, go to the National Doctor and Hospital Finder landing page and click on "What's New."

Additional Provider, Cost and Quality Information Available Online

Also at www.wellmark.com is access to information specifically about Wellmark providers in Iowa and South Dakota (Go to Quick Links, Find a Doctor or Hospital > Health Directories, Iowa and South Dakota Providers). Currently, the site includes basic demographic information, hospital quality information, and indicators that providers are participating in our Collaboration on Quality^sm (CoQ) programs or other quality initiatives. Starting in the second quarter 2008, clinic-level performance data for clinicians participating in the CoQ Incent and Reward Best Practices primary care clinician program will be posted online. In addition, costs information for common procedures will be made available.

Health care quality and cost information can also be found on our Web site (Go to Quick Links, Find a Doctor or Hospital). Check Health Care Quality and Cost or Compare Providers in the left navigation bar for links to a variety of cost and quality tools, information and external links.

Enhancements to our online provider directories will be continuing throughout 2008 and beyond. Visit the directories frequently to double check your practice information and find out what’s new!

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