Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut Introduces Industry's First Electronic Tool to Help Members Search In-Network Doctors and Hospitals; Transparency Tool to Enable Searches Via Web-Enabled Cell Phones or Hand-He...( Connecticut members first to acce...),Health

Connecticut members first to access comprehensive wireless provider

directory

NORTH HAVEN, Conn., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut today announced the launch of the industry-leading Anthem Mobile Provider Finder, a new online directory tool that will allow Connecticut members to search for local, in-network doctors and hospitals through any Web-enabled cell phone or hand-held device.

"Our members are increasingly more engaged in the decisions that affect their health and health care options," said Dr. Peter Bowers, Anthem medical director. "This innovation enhances transparency by providing yet another way for consumers to access information about the person who often plays the most important role in their care -- their doctor."

"Whether you need to quickly locate a general practitioner or immediately understand your options when your family doctor recommends a specialist, this tool will give consumers access to the information they need to make educated decisions," added Bowers.

Members can visit http://www.anthem.com/mobile from any Web-enabled device to identify and browse in-network providers by address, city, state, zip code or name. Members can further target physician specialties, languages spoken and gender. The mobile provider finder tool also includes physicians' phone numbers and addresses, including step-by-step driving directions specifically designed for small screens.

"Anthem is committed to providing innovative technology solutions to our members that help improve their health care experiences," said Bowers. "Cell phones, PDAs, and similar hand-held devices have quickly become a vital part of how we communicate and connect in today's world.

According to a study done by PEW Internet and American Life Project, 38 percent of internet users in the United States have a Web-enable
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