BCBS rolls out data mining program

Twenty Blue Cross Blue Shield plans around the nation will participate in Blue Health Intelligence, a massive data-mining project that will make information available on a range of health trends and measures. The object of the database is to enable employers, consumers and providers learn what type of healthcare works best based on information gathered from 79 million people. Initially, the HIPAA-compliant data will be available only to employers, but consumers and providers will eventually gain access to the information. Providers will also have access to BCBS's information on their quality of care. BCBS hopes that BHI will increase transparency in the healthcare system and help providers know how best to treat patients.

- read the insurer's press release
- see this Modern Healthcare report