Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association Launches The Next Generation Of National Doctor & Hospital Finder

New website enables members to find doctors, quality measurements and cost estimates for common healthcare services

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies are giving their members even more information to help them find doctors and hospitals that are compatible with their personal healthcare needs and budgets by launching a redesigned National Doctor & Hospital Finder(SM).  The online tool is now available to BCBS companies nationwide.

The new website has an updated look and a range of capabilities that include cost estimates for 168 common medical treatments, quality measurements and the ability to read and write doctor reviews.  The National Doctor & Hospital Finder gives BCBS members a smart, easy way to find the best doctor for them.

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have a strong commitment to providing members with the tools they need to make clear and informed healthcare choices," said Scott P. Serota, president and CEO of BCBSA.  "With this redesign, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are putting information in the hands of consumers so they can find healthcare professionals that fit their personalities and with whom they can build a relationship."

This one-stop website allows BCBS members to view and compare information about prospective doctors based on criteria such as qualifications, accreditations, gender, language and board certification.  The interactive website also gives members a chance to share their own experiences with fellow BCBS members through written physician reviews.

BCBSA worked with Acquity Group and Prism to develop the National Doctor & Hospital Finder. Acquity Group, a leading digital experience, strategy and design company, was responsible for leading the consumer research, testing and overall design of the site.  Prism International, a commercial information management company, was responsible for the execution and implementation of the user interface, system and data integration, and hosting of the website. Together these two firms have helped BCBSA create and execute an innovative, consumer-friendly approach to finding a doctor or hospital.

Patients frequently consider cost when making decisions on healthcare services as well as the facilities where these services are performed.  With the addition of the cost estimator to this online tool, members can now view cost estimates for 168 commonly performed procedures and receive personalized tips on how to save money on healthcare services.

As an extension of its commitment to offer members 24/7 access to health information and services, BCBSA offers a mobile app available for iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch® and Android platforms as well as the interactive AskBlue suite of tools that serve as guides to understanding health insurance and healthcare reform for both English and Spanish-speaking members.

For more information about the National Doctor & Hospital Finder, please visit http://provider.bcbs.com/ or view an introductory video on YouTube.

About the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 38 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for 100 million members – one-in-three Americans.  For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit www.BCBS.com.  We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on Twitter for up-to-date information about BCBSA.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association