Don't Know How Much an X-Ray Costs You? Highmark Network Providers Will Begin Having Conversations With Highmark Members About Their Actual Co...( Without tools like our real-ti...),Health

"Without tools like our real-time capabilities, it's difficult for providers to give accurate information to members about what the cost of a health care service will be," said Bugni. "Some providers are trying to estimate what the member will owe without a claim processing against their benefit plan. Real-time capabilities from Highmark will give our members the added assurance that the information has been calculated using their benefits and their claims payment history for that year."

Real-time tools also have an administrative benefit for providers as they will allow providers to avoid billing, collecting payment after the patient leaves or writing off unpaid balances.

"We know that on average providers collect 50 percent of patient financial liability," said Bugni. "Providers who use Highmark's real-time capabilities will be able to set clear payment expectations with the member prior to or at the point-of-service and better collect the members' deductible and coinsurance costs."

About Highmark Inc.

As one of the leading health insurers in Pennsylvania, Highmark Inc.'s mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Based in Pittsburgh, Highmark serves 4.6 million people through the company's health care benefits business. Highmark contributes millions of dollars to help keep quality health care programs affordable and to support community-based programs that work to improve people's health. Highmark exerts an enormous economic impact throughout Pennsylvania. A recent study states that Highmark's positive impact exceeded $2.5 billion. The company provides the resources to give its members a greater hand in their health.

Highmark Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Fo
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