3.7 million Blue Cross members to benefit from new internet-based system - Applications

Information Superhighways Newsletter, Jan, 2002

Blue Cross of California (Blue Cross) is offering more than 3.7 million of its PPO and self-insured health plan members access to quality and medical outcome data for its contracted hospital network. For the first time, this information is available in California through Subimo, a company that provides comprehensive and independent web-enabled health care decision support tools and information to health plans and employers. Online access to this database will be available to members beginning February 2, 2002.

Through Subimo's proprietary technology and content management process, users are able to securely and privately navigate through relevant information on their health condition or upcoming medical procedures. The Subimo Healthcare Advisor will also help Blue Cross members to research and determine which hospitals best meet their personal preferences.

"The key distinction for our members is that Subimo gives them valuable access to actual data, rather than just subjective opinions," said Dr. Jeff Kamil, vice president, medical director of policy and quality for Blue Cross. "We want our members to have choices and be empowered with information that helps them make informed decisions concerning their health care needs and services. Subimo provides an excellent array of information in an easy to use format that members can feel comfortable accessing and using."

Through the agreement between Blue Cross and Subimo, the companies will provide user-friendly tools and support that Blue Cross members need in order to more effectively and responsibly participate in their personal health care decision-making, the management of their care and treatment choices.

Blue Cross of California (www.bluecrossca.com), with more than 5.7 million medical members in the state, is an operating subsidiary of WellPoint Health Networks Inc., one of the nation's largest publicly traded health care companies. WellPoint serves the health care needs of approximately 10 million medical and more than 44 million specialty members nationally. WellPoint offers a broad spectrum of quality network-based health products including open access PPO, POS and hybrid products, HMO and specialty products. Specialty products include pharmacy benefit management, dental, utilization management, vision, mental health, life and disability insurance, long term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, COBRA administration, and Medicare supplements.

Subimo helps employers and payers improve health care quality and reduce costs by providing decision-making tools to consumers. As consumers become more involved in their health care, they need tools to help them assess their options and to make better health care decisions for themselves and their families. With Subimo's tools, anybody facing a significant health care decision or needing to learn how to manage a condition can quickly get straightforward and accurate information. The company can be reached on the web at www.subimo.com.