In an emergency, care becomes all about information and time. Innovation at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and its subsidiary, Shared Health, is speeding accurate information and patient data to the hands of physicians through digital clinical health records – transforming the industry, and improving communication and quality of care for plan members. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members are part of the largest electronic health care data exchange, with access to participation in the rapidly expanding clinical health record program that securely connects clinicians to patient health information at the point of care.

Nation’s largest public-private health information exchange
In 2006, the Shared Health clinical health record system became the largest public-private health information exchange in the United States – with more than 1.7 million members – and was made available to the 600,000 fully insured commercial plan members of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

The Web-based application provides comprehensive patient information, including patient demographic details, medical diagnoses and procedures, medications, allergies, vital signs and immunizations. The record also allows authorized physicians to securely order prescriptions through its ePrescribe online function, ensuring the safety and cost-effectiveness of medications while eliminating the need for traditional paper prescriptions.

A unique aspect of the clinical health records available to and used by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members is a “consumer view” that complements what the clinician sees within the electronic health record. The record itself is the latest in the expanding series of consumer-use tools that the company provides to support consumer activation and health information needs.