Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Accenture are testing digital pen technology designed to help healthcare professionals capture and send medical claim information digitally. The solution, which is designed to complement physicians' hand-written claims process, was introduced in a two-phase pilot with Anthem plans in Indiana and Kentucky.In the first phase, health care professionals are using the pen to file claims electronically in conjunction with a desktop computer. Claims are written on specially designed digital paper forms that enable electronic data capture. The data is then uploaded electronically via a desktop computer to Anthem.
The second phase of the pilot program involves testing a wireless version of the system, which is designed to enable claim filing through a mobile phone instead of a desktop computer.
The use of digital pen technology can reduce payment time by more than 75% and enable healthcare professionals and their staff to access claims electronically, according to the companies. The pens and the forms used are also fully "traceable," which could help reduce insurance fraud.
Source: Anthem, Accenture
