Woburn, MA - Beacon Health Strategies has expanded its menu of electronic tools for providers, with the addition of interactive voice recognition (IVR). In all markets served by Beacon, network providers can now use IVR to obtain accurate, real-time information by telephone.

Currently, IVR enables providers to: verify member eligibility, benefits and co-payments; check the number of available outpatient sessions; confirm authorization; and check the status of submitted claims. For these look-up capabilities and additional features planned for 2010, IVR offers a telephonic alternative to Beacon’s provider eServices. Through IVR, providers without computer access, gain the same efficiencies as their internet-connected colleagues.

eServices, Beacon’s provider web portal, enables providers to access all the information available on IVR, and much more. Through eServices, providers can complete clinical processes, billing and claim transactions, and other administrative activities.

Beacon also offers full electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities. For network providers, HIPAA 835/837 transactions have been available since 2003; in 2009, 270/271 transaction capacity was added. Our health plan partners also use EDI for secure file transfers.

With eServices, EDI and now IVR, Beacon presents a full continuum of electronic media for providers. Available 24x7, all three options are designed to enhance accuracy and promote efficiency in providers’ and health plans’ communications with Beacon.

Founded in 1996, Beacon Health Strategies is widely recognized as a leader in behavioral health care management services for Medicaid, Medicare and commercial populations. Beacon currently serves 2.5 million members in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia, with Florida and Wisconsin operations commencing in 2010. Accredited by both URAC and NCQA, Beacon’s success derives from its member-centric and locally-administered managed care services, active integration of members’ medical and behavioral health care needs, innovative clinical programming, and customized solutions for every health plan partner.