Dallas – Boston-based Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) has decided to use Premium Payor Services from Zix Corp. (ZixCorp). ZixCorp's Premium Payor Services provide access to future value-added services and deliver enhanced reporting for both payors and providers, aiding in analysis for incentive program initiatives.The Premium Payor Services funding model, which is in addition to the annual subscription fee per prescriber, is typically one dollar per qualified script processed or, as in this case, a flat fee license based on historical usage patterns calibrated to yield a similar amount.
BCBSMA, Tufts Health Plan and Neighborhood Health Plan are members of the eRx Collaborative. The plans formed the Collaborative in 2003 to jumpstart the use of comprehensive e-prescribing technology in Massachusetts. The Collaborative agreed to sponsor up to 200 additional providers, based on the fulfillment of certain performance criteria by Dallas-based ZixCorp. In addition to BCBSMA's Premium Payor Services contract, BCBSMA is renewing PocketScript licenses for its active BCBSMA providers.
PocketScript e-prescribing technology platform enables physicians, through a wireless handheld PDA, to write prescriptions and then send them immediately and electronically to pharmacies via the SureScripts network, thus improving patient safety and convenience.
"With the use of PocketScript, our providers have had the opportunity to receive messages advising them of drug-drug and drug-allergy interactions for their patients, enabling them to make more appropriate choices. This improves healthcare quality and reduces the potential for medication errors. These are important goals that further our collaboration with providers to improve quality while managing healthcare costs," says Steve Fox, senior director provider relations, communications & eHealth innovation for BCBSMA. "In addition, ZixCorp has been a trusted partner during our integration of electronic prescribing into our provider incentive programs. These programs reward physicians for integrating quality improvement technologies and services into their business practices."
As announced in September, 5.6 million total electronic prescriptions have been sent by the Collaborative's prescribers. The total number of electronic prescriptions for Q1 and Q2 is more than 2.2 million--on track to double the volume of prescriptions sent in 2005.
Source: Zix Corp.
