[March 19, 2015]

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and IU Health Partner to Offer Savings and Convenience for Indiana Consumers

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently created a new reference lab network that offers the potential for Anthem members to save money on the cost of blood tests, biopsies and Pap smears. Indiana University (News - Alert) Health labs across the state have joined the network to provide patients with convenience and lower costs to high quality lab services.

A study published last year by a British medical journal found a wide variation of prices for common lab procedures. In California, for example, the study revealed that the cost of a routine test to check a person's cholesterol level ranged from a minimum of $10 to a maximum of more than $10,000, depending on the facility performing the procedure and on the medical needs of the individual patient.

"Members have many choices when it comes to getting lab work done," said David Lee (News - Alert), M.D., vice president of provider solutions for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "But they probably aren't aware that some options may be significantly more cost effective. That's the reason for our new reference lab network: to make it easier for our members to find quality lab facilities at the lowest available price. Anthem is pleased to collaborate with IU Health and its 26 lab facilities around the state to make a positive impact on the cost of care for Anthem members."

"This is an important example of the healthcare industry partnering to deliver affordable, high quality care options for patients," said Harold Berfiend, vice president of pricing and contracting, IU Health. "Joining the Anthem reference lab network assures both physicians and patients that there is easy access to the high quality IU Health lab services thy have come to expect." Berfiend continued, "More patients are taking an interest in managing their healthcare dollars and services. This is another step toward transparency for consumers and physicians while assuring quality care and convenient services."

Here is an example of how an Anthem member could save on lab costs:
A lab service that might cost $400 at an out-of-network lab and require 30 percent co-insurance, or member cost share, would result in an out-of pocket payment of $120. The same service might cost $200 at an in-network lab and only $45 at a participating reference lab. For a plan that has a 10 percent cost share, the member would pay just $4.50 out of pocket at the reference lab compared to $20 at a regular in-network lab.

Reference labs also offer flexible hours and online appointment scheduling as an added convenience for Anthem members.

About Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Indiana

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook (News - Alert) at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube (News - Alert) channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.

About Indiana University Health

Named among the "Best Hospitals in America" by U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine - one of the nation's leading medical schools - gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology.

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