Health Net 2000 Annual Report Download - page 17

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Based just miles from California’s Silicon Valley, Health Net’s New Ventures Group is working around-the-clock to develop new
technological tools to streamline health care processes, empower consumers and reduce administrative tasks for its customers. Formed
in late  with just three associates, the New Ventures Group today employs more than  - and continues to grow. Led by
Gary Velasquez, the group is working on several key Internet-based health care initiatives that focus on consumers, providers,
employers and the company’s own associates. Its goal is simple: Reinvent Health Net’s business models and processes through the
use of technology, innovation, external partnerships and executable solutions, enabling Health Net to create value for customers,
partners and stockholders.
Transforming the Business - Technology is revolutionizing the world and transforming
the way companies conduct business.While most industries embraced technology years ago, the managed health care
industry was slow to respond - until just recently.
Over the course of 2000, Health Net made great strides in developing technological tools to simplify processes,
empower consumers with information and reduce overall transaction costs.
Leading the technology charge for Health Net in 2000 was the company’s New Ventures Group. Last year, the Group
introduced several key initiatives that will serve as the harbinger in transforming the way Health Net does business.
Empowering Consumers - In late 2000, Health Net launched Questium, one of the first consumer Web sites to
link health plan members directly with personal health benefit information. Among its many features, Questium allows
consumers to view their own benefit plans, co-payment information and out-of-pocket maximums online, anytime.
Questium 2.0, which will be released in mid-2001, will let members refill mail-order prescriptions online and view
individual medical histories from health plan records over a secure Internet site. In addition to providing consumers with
information right at their fingertips, Questium will allow the company to meet several “access to information”requirements
of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, scheduled to become effective in 2003.
Connecting Providers - From its connectivity pilot project in Connecticut to its involvement in a national
effort called MedUnite, Health Net is using technology to help cut red tape and reduce administrative burdens for
hospitals, physicians and administrative staff.
MedUnite, an industry-sponsored provider connectivity initiative, will allow physicians, health care providers and
insurers to use a standardized approach to conduct real-time, paper-based transactions - such as eligibility verification,
claims submission and status, and referrals and authorizations - via the Internet. In doing so, transaction costs can be
greatly reduced for both physicians and health plans.
While MedUnite was incubated by Health Net and its New Ventures Group, it is now a stand-alone organization
based in San Diego, Calif. In addition to Health Net, MedUnite is funded by the following founding investors:
2000 Annual Report HEALTH NET 15