Twenty-six Dignity Health hospitals are now part of the real-time claims payment program.
An additional 20 Dignity Health hospitals throughout California will be part of a real-time claims payment program between Blue Shield of California, software startup OODA Health, and CommonSpirit Health, which operates Dignity Health hospitals.
The three organizations first launched the "Member Payments" pilot program in at two Dignity Health hospitals in Sacramento.
The program next grew to six hospitals and had a 92% patient satisfaction rate.
Through the program, OODA pays the provider for the patient portion of the balance at the same time the payer sends its payment to the provider. The hospital doesn't have to bill the patients because they've already been paid.
For the patient, this means that Blue Shield of California members receive a consolidated, easy-to-read monthly medical bill from the payer.
Patients can choose a payment method for the amount owed, either paying in full or in interest-free installments through their Flexible Spending Account card, credit card, check, or direct deposit.
OODA Health has partnered with many other health plans and providers including HonorHealth, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Hill Physicians Medical Group, and others.
Alexandra Wilson Pecci is an editor for HealthLeaders.
