BOSTON, MA -- 09/18/08 --
Best Doctors® Inc., the trusted medical
resource for ensuring individuals with serious illnesses and injuries have
the right diagnosis and the right treatment, today announced a strategic
alliance with the National Labor Office (NLO) of the Blue Cross and Blue
Shield Association. This alliance will allow Best Doctors to explore
opportunities with the labor trust funds, labor unions and independent Blue
Cross and Blue Shield companies served by the National Labor Office. In
doing so, Best Doctors will be able to offer its unique medical diagnosis
evaluation service to an even larger population of union members, ensuring
that these employee members can get the answers they need when faced with
questions about their diagnosis and treatment.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a national federation
of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue
Shield companies. These Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies provide health
benefits for more union workers, retirees, and their families than any
other national carrier. Union contracts account for approximately 20
million Blue Cross and Blue Shield company members -- almost one-fifth of
the Blue System's national enrollment. BCBSA established the National Labor
Office in 1965 to demonstrate its strong commitment to building successful
partnerships with organized labor.
The Best Doctors unique diagnosis evaluation service is sold as a benefit
to employers, trusts, labor unions and health plans. With Best Doctors,
eligible employees and family members who are uncertain about a serious
diagnosis or have questions about their treatment plan can receive answers
from world-renowned doctors, selected from a database of 40,000
specialists. Through Best Doctors, an expert specialist conducts a thorough
analysis of the member's case based on all medical records and tests. The
member and his/her treating physician receive a comprehensive,
easy-to-understand report summarizing the findings that they can use to
ensure the right diagnosis and best course of treatment.
"The NLO is committed to seeking out, developing and managing strategic
alliance relationships with only select best-in-class services like Best
Doctors to enhance Blue Cross and Blue Shield company product and service
offerings for our union customers," said Bonnie Summers, NLO executive
director. "With their large populations and specific medical concerns,
unions often present health challenges that drive the need for unique
medical benefits that can truly provide a positive impact on the standard
of care for their members. We believe that Best Doctors offers a powerful
benefit that can have a significant impact on the quality of care for our
union clients."
"As today's healthcare system becomes more complex, the National Labor
Office helps union representatives understand new options and gain access
to critical information that satisfy the needs of labor, management and
health plans alike," said David Seligman, CEO of Best Doctors. "We are very
pleased to align with the NLO and intend to be active allies in the ongoing
quest by the Blues and the labor community to identify new tools that help
individuals get the right care."
About Best Doctors
Best Doctors® is
the trusted medical
resource for ensuring individuals have the right diagnosis and the right
treatment. The Company serves employers, insurers and health plans by
dramatically improving the quality of healthcare
at the point of treatment for individuals with serious illnesses and
injuries. Founded in 1989 by two Harvard Medical School professors, Best
Doctors serves more than 260 insurers, employers and health plans, touching
10 million people in 30 countries. For more information, visit
www.bestdoctors.com or call 1-800-223-5003.
Contacts:
Jon Siegal/Christian T. Potts
Schwartz Communications
781-684-0770
bestdoctors@schwartz-pr.com
