BCBSNC Launches iPhone App

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) recently announced the launch of HealthNAVSM1, a mobile application designed to help customers access information and manage their personal health care. The free app is now available for download by customers with an Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

"Too often, our customers will head to the emergency room with a sick child, wait two hours to be seen and then realize they could have visited an urgent care center and paid a lot less," said John Roos, BCBSNC senior vice president for sales and marketing. "In situations like this, customers can now use our new mobile app to access health information in a fast, easy-to-use format. We're leveraging technology to give our customers a better experience."

The 1.0 version of the mobile app features four functions, including:

• An urgent care finder that helps customers locate in-network urgent care centers, as a more efficient and affordable alternative to emergency rooms.
• A prescription drug finder that allows customers to compare average drug costs, and find cheaper alternatives while they are discussing options with their doctor, or in preparation for a visit.
• Customer service access that provides customers one-click access to call a customer service representative when they need answers quickly.
• Health notes that let users store notes about personal and family health in one place, and includes suggested questions to ask your doctor during a visit.

"This is a first generation mobile app for BCBSNC," added Roos. "The company has plans for more apps and for availability on more smartphones in the future. We believe the launch of this mobile app will provide our customers with a relevant tool that will make it easier for them to do business with BCBSNC."

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has been a CED members since 2004. In addition to contributing to CED's Innovation to Impact campaign at the Supporter level, the company sponsored CED's Biotech conference in 2005 and 2010, CED's Venture conference in 2005 and 2009, and CED's inaugural Companies to Watch program. Currently, Michael Parkerson, vice president of ancillary markets serves on CED's Board of Directors.