Verizon Wireless and WellPoint Collaborate to Make Healthcare Management Simpler via Mobile Technology

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless and WellPoint, Inc., today announced a digital initiative that utilizes high-quality, secure video conferencing through Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network to help consumers take steps to live healthier.  The collaboration represents the innovative approach both companies have undertaken to advance healthcare-related services by enabling seamless, virtual dialogue between consumers who are members of a WellPoint-affiliated health plan and their nurse care managers, all from the convenience of a 4G LTE mobile device.

By leveraging Verizon Wireless' high-speed and reliable 4G LTE network, nurse care managers can now communicate face-to-face with health-plan members via video consults on their mobile devices, offering timely healthcare guidance and making follow-up easier than before.  The goal is the ease and convenience of mobile heath consultations will help consumers take a more active role in their healthcare. 

"Healthcare has exponentially advanced in the last few years in medical treatments and the way business is done.  As a result, it is important for all of those offering healthcare-related services to adopt the latest technologies in mobile health," said Michael Tighe, executive director, mHealth solutions, Verizon Wireless.  "By leveraging video, we hope to enhance engagement in healthcare management, improve the quality of services provided and help consumers stay on track with their programs.  Our collaboration with WellPoint is an ideal approach that is user-friendly, low-cost and effective."  

"Working with Verizon Wireless demonstrates our commitment to put customers first by offering innovative, convenient options that help to meet their specific healthcare needs," said Anthony Nguyen, M.D., senior vice president of care management, WellPoint.  "We continually look for new ways to improve the lives of the people we serve, in this case by enabling face-to-face, healthcare-related consultations via smartphones.  This is just another example of how we are developing solutions that make healthcare more meaningful for consumers."

For more information about Verizon Wireless healthcare products and services, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/healthcare.  For more information about WellPoint, visit www.wellpoint.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless