PHILADELPHIA, Sep 13, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Independence Blue Cross (IBC) announces the launch of IBX Mobile, a new smart phone application that helps members manage their health plan when they need it most -- whether at home, at their doctors' office, or on the go -- with a touch of the fingertips.
"Smart phone use has risen dramatically in recent years, making mobile applications particularly effective in reaching people and helping them make smarter health care decisions," said Michael Yetter, director of IBC's eBusiness development. "We're giving our customers the ease and convenience of managing their health plans with some of our most popular online tools -- right in the palm of their hands."
IBX Mobile, available for free at Apple's App Store and the Android Market, gives immediate access to personalized and relevant tools and resources whenever and wherever they're needed. IBX Mobile provides a streamlined view of the IBC's member portal, ibxpress.com, and allows users to quickly and conveniently:
-- View their Personal Health Record. Access your health history anytime
and manage your health.
-- Find a health care provider. Use the Provider Finder to search for a new
doctor by specialty and location. You'll even be able to download
driving directions.
-- View open referrals. Don't have time to call your doctor's office? You
can use your smart phone to confirm your referral to a specialist with
IBX Mobile.
-- Check their Health Savings Account balance. Maximize your health savings
account and track your balances on Bluesaver Health Solutions with IBX
Mobile.
Test pilot users who have downloaded the app to their smart phones have told us they appreciated the convenience of confirming referrals are active and the unique ability to access health and prescription history information from the Personal Health Record.
"I don't have my records on me and they're not fresh on my mind when I go to the doctor's office. Instead of guessing at my health information, I can give information that's more accurate and useful for my doctor," said an IBC member who tested the pilot earlier this summer.
IBX Mobile also allows users to reach Customer Service; get a quote for individual health care coverage; and log on to ibxpress.com to compare the price of prescription drugs, check the status of a claim, view benefits information, and access health care ID card details if the card is lost.
There's no additional registration required for those who have already registered with ibxpress.com. IBC members need only login with their username and password to access their health coverage 24/7 through IBX Mobile. Members of the public can also download the app for free, although they will not have access to some member-specific tools.
IBX Mobile is the latest mobile capability offered to Independence Blue Cross members. In July, Independence Blue Cross launched the GPS-based IBX Healthy Steps pedometer application as part of the company's mobile development strategy to improve and enhance the lives of the people and community it serves.
