University Times

UPMC Health Plan has launched web site applications for employers, providers and members that plan administrators say will lead to lower administrative costs, faster processing and more value for the health care dollar.

Employer OnLine allows employer groups to access and update their employees' health information electronically. Employers can review and modify insurance information electronically, verify benefits information, request a temporary ID card, add or subtract dependents for coverage or change a primary care physician. More than 50 employer groups, including Pitt, are participating.

Provider OnLine allows hospitals, physicians and other providers to check eligibility and claims status through interactive claims messaging and to view benefits information.

Network facilities using Provider OnLine accounted for a 57 percent decrease in call volume from December 2001 to January 2002 for claim status and eligibility inquiries.

Member OnLine, slated to be released in the second quarter of this year, will enable members to confirm eligibility of family members, change primary care physicians, update mailing address information and view benefit grids.

The programs are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These sites are accessed through a secure link on the UPMC Health Plan home page, www.upmchealthplan.com.

For more information on UPMC Health Plan, call 1-888/876-2756, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.