Blue Cross of GA Uses Google Maps to Encourage Use of Urgent Care

You may have heard of a few enlightened payors who have sent letters to encourage their members to use urgent care instead of the emergency department. That makes perfect sense given the savings of 50-70% with urgent care. However, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia has taken this a step further by utilizing technology to launch a program aimed at educating their members on their health care options in order to prevent unnecessary ER visits. BCBS hopes to accomplish this through the launch of the website http://www.bcbsga.com/eralt that includes a Google Maps application – which will eventually include an iPhone app – that allows their members to find clinics in their area; online tutorials on whether to visit an ER or urgent care; and information on how to access their 24-hour nurse line for recommendations on where to go and directions to clinics. Read More