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UnitedHealthcare Intros New Online Health Care Shopping Service at CES 2014 [Health & Beauty Close - Up](Health & Beauty Close - Up Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) UnitedHealthcare announced at the 2014 International CES myEasyBook, an online health care shopping service that makes it easier and more affordable for consumers to make appointments with local health care professionals, including for same-day and next- day appointments. In a release, the Company said that myEasyBook enables consumers to make appointments online with a click of a mouse and compare in- network care providers in multiple specialties, providing discounts of 30 percent or more compared to average out-of-pocket expenses for health care services. Consumers are able to search by specialty, location and appointment date, and compare cost information for each health care provider, giving consumers a more accurate picture of expected out-of-pocket expenses and potential savings. The service enables health care professionals to attract new patients and fill gaps in their daily schedules, while also getting paid up-front for their services and helping to reduce administrative and billing expenses. UnitedHealthcare said that myEasyBook is designed for its plan participants enrolled in high-deductible health plans linked to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs). Consumers can also pay for appointments by credit card, debit card or bank account, as well as use the service to more easily track and manage health care expenses. The service is now available to employers and their employees in Phoenix and will be available to employers in Dallas and Denver in early 2014, with additional markets to be added through the year. A variety of medical services can be booked through myEasyBook, including pediatric care, routine physicals, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, physical and occupational therapy, dental and vision appointments, and massage therapy. "This innovative service helps people find quality local health care providers more efficiently and at their convenience, delivering value to both patients and providers through a simple, personalized experience," said Tom Paul, chief consumer officer, UnitedHealthcare. "Consumers are gaining a convenient tool to help them access affordable care at transparent prices, while medical professionals are able to attract new patients and fill any gaps in their daily schedules." UnitedHealthcare introduced myEasyBook last year as a pilot program in Phoenix. So far, 37 percent of users have booked appointments for within two days, and 50 percent of all users have utilized the service more than once. "myEasyBook has helped our practice and the patients we serve, making care more accessible, convenient and affordable," said Nathan L. Anspach, MA, FACHE, senior vice president and CEO, Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network. "This new service is helping make it easier for patients to connect with health care providers, which can help improve health outcomes and make the health system more efficient." In addition to showcasing myEasyBook, UnitedHealthcare said that its 3,000-square-foot exhibitor booth at CES demonstrates how the health care company's health benefits, services and technologies are helping to simplify the consumer health care experience by making helpful, practical information more accessible and affordable through personal technology devices such as smartphones, video game consoles and television programming. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |