Beginning this week, Blue Shield of California announced it will require network providers, including those participating in the nonprofit health plan’s nationally recognized Accountable Care Organization (ACO) program, to agree to participate in Manifest MedEx, the largest nonprofit health information network that is creating comprehensive, real-time digital health records for all Californians.
Created through collaboration among California’s leading providers and health plans, Manifest MedEx makes it easier for doctors, hospitals and other care providers to securely review, analyze and share medical information across the health care system.
Manifest MedEx facilitates the secure exchange of 11 million patient claims records and 5 million patient clinical records for over 200 participating partners. Manifest MedEx supports physicians, nurses, hospitals and health plans in sharing critical health information to ensure that patients receive safe, high-quality care.
Blue Shield’s decision aligns with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ announcement today that outlines steps to increase the interoperability, portability and availability of medical data. These efforts should empower patients, improve care and lower health care costs.
Blue Shield is asking its ACO providers to sign a participation agreement with Manifest MedEx by Aug. 31, 2018 and other network providers to do so as a part of their next contract renewal. It plans to work closely with all its providers to complete the implementation in the optimal time and manner.
“Manifest MedEx delivers the information that helps hospitals, medical groups and ACOs do the hard work of improving care coordination, reducing inefficiencies, addressing gaps in care and enhancing the patient experience,” said Claudia Williams, CEO of Manifest MedEx. “Manifest MedEx gets you the information you need, in the formats you need, when you need it. We break down silos, so California providers can focus on what they do best: improving health care, not assembling data.”
