Jacksonville, Fla. - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is introducing what it claims is an industry first capability called CareCalc. a tool designed to help BCBSF providers and members understand the financial responsibility for a particular service prior to or at the time of an office visit."Providers of health care and their office staff want simple and effective processes so they can focus on their work instead of navigating the payment system. At the same time, our members want to be sure they are paying the right amount when they go to the doctor's office," says Elana Schrader, M.D., vice president, provider services, BCBSF. "CareCalc will not only help our members better understand their financial responsibilities, but it also will help streamline processes for those who serve them -- our physicians and providers."
With so many health plans available that require co-pays and co-insurance, it can be difficult for a physician's office to know how much to collect when a patient is standing in the office or facility. With CareCalc, the office staff enters the patient diagnosis and treatment codes, and the calculator displays the patient's financial responsibility using the same process that will be used to pay the claims. This way, both the patient and the physician can be confident that the right amount is being paid at the time of service.
Among the providers who tested the prototype of CareCalc, 87% said the tool would be useful in their office. "Anything that helps patients understand what their responsibility is and helps offices to be able to define that responsibility is a plus," says Don Gregorich, director, managed care, Tampa Bay Women's Care.
Source: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
