DURHAM, N.C., July 3, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) has taken an innovative step in bringing patient care closer to the point-of-prescribing by becoming the first Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan to enable electronic pharmacy prior authorization (ePA) requests and auto-determination with CoverMyMeds.
CoverMyMeds, in partnership with Prime Therapeutics, has implemented the CoverMyMeds ePA platform which enables all key stakeholders to interact on a real time basis including prescriber offices, pharmacies and BCBSNC staff.
"Because CMM's ePA platform enables real time processing and status determination, prescriber offices can receive an immediate response allowing their patients to obtain appropriate medications more quickly and easily," said Julie Hessick, Manager of PBM and Plan Accounts at CoverMyMeds. "The process allows the prescriber office to initiate and complete the PA process within their ePrescribing or electronic medical records application ensuring a more tightly integrated and efficient experience for prescribers and patients."
The electronic prior authorization transaction utilizes patient eligibility for instant formulary lookup to populate and provide correct criteria and question sets, ultimately streamlining a traditionally slow, paper and fax based PA process.
"Simply put, CoverMyMeds works for prescribers, it works for patients, and it streamlines the process of prescribing and receiving important medications," said Estay Greene, Director of Pharmacy Programs for BCBSNC.
About CoverMyMeds:
CoverMyMeds is the leader in prior authorizations and the first step in patient adherence. Prescribers and pharmacies have submitted over 11 million PA request and other coverage determinations through our automated system, and we were recently named the 8 th fastest growing healthcare company in the country by Inc. 500. Call 866-452-5017 for more information, or visit www.covermymeds.com
About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.84 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com . All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
CoverMyMeds Media Relations: Michael A. Bukach, 614-653-3142 BCBSNC Media Line: 919-765-3005 BCBSNC Online Newsroom: http://mediacenter.bcbsnc.com
