12 ways health plans are ramping up IT use

Health insurance plans have been expanding their use of information technology to address problems, improve operations, facilitate service to members and ensure they’re getting care that addresses their health concerns. Health insurers have long used IT to manage the claims process and settle payments with provider organizations, but as technological capabilities have grown, they’re using IT in ways that they would not have foreseen even a couple years ago. Here, Health Data Management offers some snapshots of innovative uses of IT by payers.

Gateway Health has joined with Pacify Health, a telehealth technology firm, to improve the health and well-being of new mothers and their babies. Pittsburgh-based Gateway, a managed care organization, will initially pilot the use of Pacify Health’s telehealth mobile app to 1,000 mothers in four Pennsylvania counties. Along with live video chat, Pacify features regular push notifications, alerts and various educational resources related to prepartum and postpartum well-being. Pacify staff submit chart notes after each call with findings and recommendations. A Pacify membership provides on-demand, video-enabled access to a nationwide network of maternal and pediatric specialists.