Regence and MultiCare Connected Care said Oct. 11 they have launched the nation's first HL7 FHIR-based prior authorization system.
Regence is the parent company of BCBS Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington, which collectively serve more than 3.4 million members. MultiCare Connected Care is an ACO subsidiary of Tacoma, Wash.-based MultiCare.
The new system was developed by the HL7 Da Vinci Project, a privately run project focused on improving clinical quality, cost and care management outcomes through HL7 FHIR adoption. As part of the project, Regence has data-sharing arrangements with MultiCare and Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.
The new interface will allow providers to submit prior authorization requests directly from MultiCare's EHRs — enabling faster determinations and reducing administrative burden and costs.
"Pre-authorization helps ensure our members are receiving the most effective and appropriate treatments, while managing the costs of care," Kirk Anderson, Regence’s chief technology officer, said. "Bringing pre-authorization to the point of care reduces the burden on health systems managing patient data and promotes timely, evidence-based care and a more seamless experience for our members.”