Changes to Blue Cross Processing System

June 6, 2012

MANITOBA HEALTH, MANITOBA BLUE CROSS DEVELOPING LEADING-EDGE MEDICAL CLAIMS PROCESSING SYSTEM

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New, Shared Technology Will Provide Better Service, Cost Savings: Oswald

Manitoba Health and the non-profit organization Manitoba Blue Cross are working together to develop a new, state-of-the-art medical claims processing system that will support better service to health-care providers and Manitobans while saving money, Health Minister Theresa Oswald and Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.
“The province’s current medical claims computer system first implemented in 1975 needs to be updated to provide better services and Manitoba Blue Cross has also been looking at options to upgrade their older claims processing technology,” said Oswald.  “Sharing the costs of development and implementation means a lower total cost for the project while ensuring we get a modern system that meets our needs now and in the future.”
“This project will benefit both Manitoba Blue Cross and the government, and will help modernize claims processing and service delivery to Manitobans,” said Andrew Yorke, president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Blue Cross.  “With roots dating back to 1938, Manitoba Blue Cross already provides health coverage of some kind to one in three Manitobans, so we take personal data very seriously.  Our security and privacy practices are already best in class and as part of this joint initiative, we are required to add even more security measures.”
Manitoba Blue Cross will build and own the system and provide system services to the province, while Manitoba Health will lead policy development for medical claims and continue to process all medicare claims in-house with provincial employees.  The new system will allow faster processing by using technology to deal with claims electronically while maintaining the security of provincial data, Chomiak said.
“It’s important to have the right tools in place to provide Manitobans with high-quality services,” said Chomiak.  “We’re pleased to work with Manitoba Blue Cross to develop this innovative system.”
The ministers noted moving from older systems to new technology will ensure both government and Manitoba Blue Cross are able to better support clients and provide more efficient services. 

“Sharing this work will allow both Manitoba Health and Manitoba Blue Cross to save money while implementing new technology,” said Oswald.  “This new system is expected to save an estimated
$3 million over the life of the project while allowing us to remain flexible and better meet the needs of Manitobans and health-care providers.”
The minister also noted the project is just one of the strategic initiatives outlined in the province’s plan to sustain the universal health-care system, by ensuring the best possible value is received for the funding invested in health care.
The new system is expected to be complete and operational by late 2013, she added.

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May 8, 2012

EXPANDED NEWBORN SCREENING PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE PEACE OF MIND FOR MANITOBA PARENTS: OSWALD

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Screening for Metabolic Disorders, Genetic Conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis Puts Manitoba in Top Three Provinces for Newborn Testing

The province of Manitoba is ensuring families and their newborns have the best start in life through an expanded universal newborn screening program, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.
“We want to provide peace of mind to new families and ensure disorders are found early so infants can receive the care and treatment they need immediately,” said Oswald.  “We have expanded the newborn screening program so newborns in the province can be tested for cystic fibrosis and more than 40 other serious health conditions.”
Newborns are screened for serious and sometimes life-threatening genetic, hormonal, inherited and metabolic disorders that may not be obvious at birth.  Early diagnosis and treatment can optimize outcomes for children found to be affected.  Once samples are collected, they are sent to Cadham Provincial Laboratory for analysis.
“Without early diagnosis, children with cystic fibrosis are not diagnosed until symptoms appear and irreversible and potentially life-threatening lung damage may have already occurred,” said Maureen Adamson, chief executive officer, Cystic Fibrosis Canada.  “Cystic Fibrosis Canada is delighted that Manitoba has joined the fight for early detection, allowing earlier treatment and care for babies born with this devastating disease.”
Expanded newborn screening uses a technology called tandem-mass spectrometry to detect dozens of different conditions with one test.  Like many other screening tests, a positive result does not mean that a baby has a metabolic or genetic condition, only that further assessment and possible testing are recommended.
“We cover a broader array of rare metabolic disorders than most other provinces, leading the way with Ontario and Saskatchewan.  These disorders were difficult to detect before the use of tandem‑mass spectrometry,” said Oswald.
The minister noted the universal newborn screening program was introduced last year and initial funding for cystic fibrosis screening was provided by the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“Our mission is to contribute to the improved health of children everywhere,” said Lesia Sianchuk, executive director, Children’s Hospital Foundation.  “By having provided the initial funding for cystic fibrosis screening, we are helping to provide Manitoba children with cystic fibrosis a better quality of life.  We are grateful to our donors from our Ice Crystal Gala event that helped us raise this seed money.”
The province continues to work with the regional health authorities and other partners to develop additional screening programs for Manitoba children as recommended by medical professionals.
More information about newborn screening in Manitoba is available from health-care providers or at  www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cpl/baby.html.

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