It just got easier to find a doctor who takes your insurance — no matter what plan you're on.
The Integrated Healthcare Association on Tuesday announced the launch of the Symphony Provider Directory, a centralized online platform for providers and plans to update what plans providers accept. IHA says the new directory "enables health plans to maintain more up-to-date and accurate information such as provider demographics, panel status and health plan product and network details in their consumer-facing directories so that consumers can make informed decisions about their coverage and care."
The new directory is part of Blue Shield of California's commitment to bring health care into the digital age. The effort was funded by a $50 million grant as part of Blue Shield's 2016 agreement to buy Care1st Health Plan in 2015.
“We must simplify and standardize our healthcare system in order to transform it,” said Paul Markovich, Blue Shield of California President and CEO. “That includes ensuring essential healthcare provider information is accurate and easy to access. The development of a centralized provider directory utility in California is a strong step in this direction, and one of many investments we have already made or will be making in the future to transform health care for all Californians. We are proud to collaborate with IHA to make this happen.”
Read the full press release here.
Markovich explains how Blue Shield works to improve care through technology: