CIGNA and MedSolutions Team Up to Deliver High Quality Radiology Services at Lower Cost

  • CIGNA's MedSolutions radiology benefits management program is designed to help improve radiology quality, patient safety, physician service, and lower customers’ costs
  • Research shows improved physician use of evidence-based guidelines correlated to lower total costs

BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In a move to improve patient safety and reduce costs for customers, leading global health service company CIGNA (NYSE:CI) has signed a letter of intent for MedSolutions to become CIGNA's exclusive radiology benefits provider in the United States.

CIGNA's MedSolutions program will begin to be introduced in various regions beginning mid-year 2011. The MedSolutions program for CIGNA customers features a support and outreach program called Informed Choice. The goal of the program is to help people undergoing an MRI, CT or PET scan learn about all of their options as they and their doctor choose where to have tests done.

“As more and more Americans use MRI, CT and PET scans, we can help our customers receive higher quality care and make informed choices about the care they receive, potentially saving them hundreds of dollars for each scan,” said CIGNA’s Dr. Alan Muney, senior vice president, total health and network. “MedSolutions’ requirements for using evidence-based, best practice measures and for credentialing facilities will help CIGNA customers receive high quality, clinically appropriate and safe radiology services.”

Dr. Muney added: “CIGNA's teaming up with MedSolutions also offers our contracted physicians a simpler service experience by providing a single point of contact for radiology benefits, so that they may continue to focus on their top priority of improving the health of our customers.”

Studies have shown that inappropriate use of medical services can expose patients to preventable risk and even harm and result in billions of dollars in unnecessary spending. MedSolutions’ programs and comprehensive medical guidelines support physicians by assuring appropriate, effective use of health care services to improve the quality and cost of care.

“MedSolutions is pleased to extend our 13-year relationship with CIGNA on a national level and to support their objective of delivering quality programs and services that meet the needs of their customers,” said Curt Thorne, chief executive officer of MedSolutions.

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE: CI) is a global health service and financial company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. CIGNA Corporation's operating subsidiaries in the United States provide an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance. CIGNA offers products and services in over 27 countries and jurisdictions and has approximately 65 million customer relationships throughout the world. All products and services are provided exclusively by such operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation. To learn more about CIGNA, visit www.cigna.com. To sign up for email alerts or an RSS feed of company news, log on to http://newsroom.cigna.com/rss. Also, follow us on Twitter at @cigna, visit CIGNA’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/cigna and listen to CIGNA's podcast series with healthy tips and information at http://www.cigna.com/podcasts or by searching "CIGNA" in iTunes.

About MedSolutions

Using independently validated savings methodologies, MedSolutions specializes in quality-driven, intelligent cost management of medical services for commercial, Medicare and Medicaid payors. The company maintains management contracts for more than 30 million individuals nationwide. Using robust data, predictive intelligence technology and evidence-based clinical expertise, the company's innovative solutions extend beyond Radiology Management to other areas of medical specialty, including Oncology, Cardiac Imaging, Sleep, Ultrasound, and MedSolutions’ groundbreaking Premerus® Diagnostic Accuracy program – the nation’s first solution for reducing diagnostic error rates to improve the quality and cost of care. MedSolutions has been recognized for outstanding customer service and effective call center management by the International Customer Management Institute and for four consecutive years by the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Award. Visit www.medsolutions.com.



CONTACT:

CIGNA
Joe Mondy, 888-593-8203
[email protected]

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Connecticut

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Health  Hospitals  Oncology  Radiology  Professional Services  Insurance

MEDIA:

Logo
 Logo