The solution puts the state on track to meet the data formatting requirements in the federally-mandated Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and to exchange claims and related documents with insurers, hospitals and other healthcare providers nationwide. With completion of the rollout of Emergis’ technology, over 26 million claims will be processed annually.

This agreement marks Michigan’s latest step to improve claims processing efficiency. This undertaking, originally commissioned by Governor John Engler, was designed to streamline and automate the handling of Medicaid claims. The state exchanges claims information with over 32,000 providers, health plans and hospitals.

The BCE Emergis solution allows us to comply with HIPAA formatting regulations and meet the rigorous volume requirements associated with Medicaid claims processing, said Ron Nelson, chief information officer for the state’s Department of Community Health. The HIPAA regulations are also consistent with the Governor’s Uniform Billing initiative, which is a top priority for us.

We understand the significance of the HIPAA regulations to the healthcare industry, said Faye S. Baggiano, president of BCE Emergis, eHealth Solutions Group. The HIPAA implementation deadlines are rapidly approaching and this agreement allows us to demonstrate the flexibility and performance we bring to this demanding application environment. Baggiano noted that Michigan’s mplementation of the Emergis solution will streamline administrative processes, resulting in better healthcare services for state residents.

She also noted how, together with its agreements with the states of Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina and Texas, this agreement furthers Emergis’ presence in state government programs. The technology that drives the state of Michigan solution is also used by more than 50 leading enterprises worldwide.

HIPAA was enacted in 1996 in an effort to simplify the administration of health insurance coverage, while reducing waste, fraud and abuse and promoting portability. HIPAA requires that the healthcare industry implement systems to ensure compliance with data exchange standards by the end of 2002.

SOURCE: COMPANY PRESS RELEASE