Blue Cross Blue Shield Of South Carolina and Franklin Health Join Forces to Provide Unique Support to Critically Ill Patients.

COLUMBIA, S.C.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 3, 1999--Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina is partnering with Franklin Health, Inc., in a new program to help members with serious illnesses or injuries identify treatment options, and help make the best health care choices. It is the first program of its kind in South Carolina and will be available to all customers with Preferred Blue and HMO Blue coverage. Preferred Blue is a preferred provider organization with approximately half-a-million people covered. HMO Blue has about 57,000 members currently.

The program will help patients with serious primary diagnoses such as cancer, and other significant health problems, coordinate care they receive from multiple specialists and other providers, and address personal concerns ranging from disruption of family relationships to financial worries.

Franklin Health's care managers, all registered nurses, will act as advocates for patients and their families, offering information, identifying treatment options and resources, and coordinating the patient's total treatment plans with the patient's physician.

"Coping with such complicated issues often leaves patients and their families feeling confused, frustrated and frightened," said Thomas G. Faulds, president of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield division. "The complex care management program provides critically ill individuals with alternatives, assistance and answers that meet their specific needs."

Franklin Health has found that providing education and support for patients facing serious illnesses helps improve the quality of care they receive and increases patient satisfaction. "The success of complex care management lies in personal contact between nurse care managers, patients and treating physicians, and recognizing that every individual's wishes and situation are unique," said David Levy, M.D., chief executive and founder of Franklin Health.

Preferred Blue and HMO Blue customers who meet appropriate criteria will receive letters explaining the program. Participation is voluntary and there is no additional charge for members who choose to utilize the program. The program does not affect Preferred Blue or HMO Blue benefits.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina, headquartered in Columbia, is the state's largest health insurer, covering over 1 million people.

Franklin Health, Inc., of Upper Saddle River, N.J., provides services aimed at the sickest one percent of the U.S. population to leading managed care companies, Fortune 500 corporations and integrated health systems.