BlueCard^® claims processing date on the new system changed to 12/17/07
To ensure a smooth transition for BlueCard claims, we have decided to move our BlueCard claims processing to the new system on December 17, 2007. In the event we are able to accomplish the transition sooner, we will notify you in advance of the new date.

Until then, BlueCard claims will continue to be processed on our existing claims system.

In the November 2007 The Connection^SM newsletter we published an article titled “BlueCard moves to new upgraded system” reiterating the November 5, 2007 date. Unfortunately, our decision to change the date was made after the newsletter went to press.

Physician and Provider Appreciation Week

Our first annual Physician and Provider Appreciation Week will be celebrated the week of May 22-26, 2006. Our Provider Services staff will visit as many offices as possible during the week to show our appreciation. Many internal activities are also planned to heighten employee awareness of their role in providing excellent service to you.

We welcome this opportunity to demonstrate our sincere thanks to physicians, other health care professionals and their staff for your dedication to treating and promoting the good health of our members.

HEDIS® Medical Record Review

The annual HEDIS® medical record reviews will take place March through May of 2006. A change in the process this year will be the use of an outside vendor, OUTCOMES, INC for the data collection. The same vendor will be used by all four plans comprising The Regence Group. Offices will be contacted directly by OUTCOME’s staff. All vendor processes are HIPPA compliant. A Quality Programs staff member of The Regence Group will be available for questions or concerns. That contact person is Nancy Chryst @ 1 800 659 7229 ext. 7636 or via email at nchryst@regence.com. Records of patients in the selected sample will be requested only if the needed information cannot be identified through claims data. Your participation in this important quality assurance and improvement activity is greatly appreciated.