CareWise, Inc. to Provide Health Information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to PacifiCare Health Systems' 3.7 Million Members.Business Editors, Health/Medical Writers SEATTLE--(BW HealthWire)--July 11, 2001 CareWise, Inc., a leading provider of health care demand and disease management services, today announced that it has been selected by PacifiCare Health Systems PacifiCare Health Systems (former NYSE: PHS) was a Fortune 500 healthcare company based in Cypress, California. It was acquired by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in late 2005, which continues to market health plans under the PacifiCare name. , Inc. (Nasdaq:PHSY PHSY PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc ), to provide the CareWise(R) nurse phoneline and Live Assist(TM) Internet chat feature to PacifiCare members. Studies show that when health care consumers are fully informed about the risks, benefits and alternatives associated with a particular treatment option, they are much more likely to make medically appropriate choices that are less risky and less costly. CareWise, Inc. has been chosen to assist and empower empower verb To encourage or provide a person with the means or information to become involved in solving his/her own problems PacifiCare members with medical information over the telephone and on the Internet, around the clock. The CareWise program combines decision-support counseling over the phone by registered nurses, credentialed cre·den·tial n. 1. That which entitles one to confidence, credit, or authority. 2. credentials Evidence or testimonials concerning one's right to credit, confidence, or authority: medical information and consumer-friendly educational materials. In addition, PacifiCare's comprehensive health information portal will incorporate CareWise, Inc.'s advanced online technology, Live Assist. This interactive, real-time chat function allows CareWise Health Information Specialists to respond to individual member questions with relevant, credible online sources. "The partnership between CareWise and PacifiCare shows how those of us in the health care industry can work together to improve the access and quality of health information available to consumers," said Craig Russell, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of CareWise, Inc. "Our award-winning nurse counseling and Live Assist technology, when combined with PacifiCare's approach to providing quality health care services, is an important step in helping to educate consumers and reduce rising health care costs." "After evaluating ways to provide expanded health care services for our members, we chose CareWise because of its reputation in terms of quality and consistency of services offered," said Bary Bailey, executive vice president and chief strategic officer of PacifiCare Health Systems. "Carewise's ability to seamlessly integrate its services with our current health programs enhances our online presence for consumers who want immediate and real-time information over the Internet." About PacifiCare Health Systems Dedicated to making people's lives better, PacifiCare Health Systems is one of the nation's largest health care services companies. Primary operations include health insurance products for employer groups employer group Association of employers Managed care An entity with a current group benefits agreement in effect with a health plan to provide covered health care services to its employee-subscribers and eligible dependents. and Medicare beneficiaries in eight states and Guam, serving approximately 3.7 million members. Other specialty products and operations include behavioral health Behavioral health was first used in the 1980's to name the combination of the fields mental health and substance abuse. As an example, an organization serving both mental health and substance abuse clients might refer to its practice as behavioral health or services, life and health insurance, dental and vision services and pharmacy benefit management A Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) is a third party administrator of prescription drug programs. They are primarily responsible for processing and paying prescription drug claims. . More information on PacifiCare Health Systems can be obtained at www.pacificare.com. About CareWise, Inc. CareWise, Inc., a SHPS SHPS Sykes Health Plan Services (OPM designated long-term care partner) SHPS St. Hope Public Schools (California) SHPS Strategic Health and Productivity Solutions company, provides decision-support services that help people self-manage their health while lowering the cost of medical care and improving member satisfaction with a health plan. CareWise, Inc. has contracted services for more than 8 million members worldwide to receive CareWise, Inc.'s services through a nurse phone line, online services, and printed health education materials. Clients include MCOs and health plans, employers, government agencies and unions. SHPS and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,100 health care professionals, employee benefits specialists and IT experts across the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . For more information, contact CareWise, Inc. at 800/927-9225 or visit the company's Web site at www.carewiseinc.com. |
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