Aetna plans to launch a handful of new apps within the next few weeks that allow members traveling internationally find nearby doctors, hospitals and other health care providers based on their GPS location, according to a company press release.
However, one app has already been released: Aetna Shanghai Provider Directory launched in October for iOS and Android. The free app uses the phone's GPS to locate providers in Aetna’s Shanghai network. Similar apps for Hong Kong, the Middle East and Europe will launch over the next few weeks, according to the company. Each app will feature a listing of nearby health care providers, including address and contact information, a map view, appointment information, links to the relevant information and forms, and calendar integration.
Aetna also updated its international website for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry to recognize a user's location and serve localized content in that region's primary language.
“This new web functionality is a critical step in Aetna’s continued efforts to make it easier for people to access content that is relevant to them and accessible in a manner they prefer,” stated Sandip Patel, head of Aetna International, in a press release.
This past summer, Aetna launched a service that allows doctors in Aetna’s Florida network to prescribe medication electronically via smartphone or tablet and receive care recommendations for their patients. The service is supported by NaviNet Mobile Connect and is free to Aetna subscribers.
Aetna launched an SMS-powered diabetes management service this past May. At AHIP last year Aetna announced pilot results following a study of the Intel Health Guide's efficacy as a platform for CHF patients.
Read the press release below.
PRESS RELEASE -- Aetna, a leading global diversified health care benefits company, launched more enhancements to its website www.aetnainternational.com to customise the user experience and provide mobile capabilities for people on the go. The company has added web capabilities which recognise where a user is coming from in the world and serves localised content in a language relative to that geographic region. For mobile users, Aetna is beginning to launch mobile applications (apps) that can be downloaded for free to help members find nearby doctors, hospitals and other health care providers based on their GPS location in Shanghai, Hong Kong, the Middle East and Europe.
“This new web functionality is a critical step in Aetna’s continued efforts to make it easier for people to access content that is relevant to them and accessible in a manner they prefer.”
Aetna also has made it easier for people to access the public pages of its International website from mobile devices, whether an iPhone, Android-based device or BlackBerry.
“This new web functionality is a critical step in Aetna’s continued efforts to make it easier for people to access content that is relevant to them and accessible in a manner they prefer,” said Sandip Patel, head of Aetna International.
For example, an individual accessing the site from the Middle East, will see:
Arabic as the default language for content, which can be easily changed if preferred;
Images localised for the region and culture;
Web “skin,” or framing graphics customised for the region, such as a theme celebrating Muslim holiday Eid ul-Fitr;
Contact information specific for the region; and
Product information specific for the region.
Patel continued, “Our mobile apps make it easier for members to access health care. With a few strokes on the mobile phone, the user can find a provider, calculate the distance by GPS and record a doctor’s appointment on their device calendar.”
The company’s mobile app finds providers in Aetna’s direct-settlement network. The app for providers in Shanghai, China, already is available for free download in the Apple App and Android stores in both English and Chinese. The provider directories for Hong Kong, the Middle East and Europe will be rolled out over the next several weeks. The apps provide:
A listing of health care providers that offer direct-settlement for both inpatient and outpatient procedures;
Address and contact information for each provider;
Access to view the providers on a map and calculate distance to the facility using the GPS on the mobile device;
Helpful information on what to do before, on the day of and after an appointment;
Links to the relevant information and forms; and
Integration with the user’s calendar to record any appointments made with a provider.
Continued Improvement
Since launching the new site in March, Aetna has continued to add capabilities that make it easier for customers and members to access information about their benefits. In May, Aetna introduced multilingual capabilities completed by local translators for Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, British English and Arabic to capture regional dialects and nuances, resulting in a more accurate overall translation. Other functionality for the secure member pages allows customers to access and manage member information as well as to customise useful tools such as a currency converter and world clock.
Aetna will continue enhancements to its global website. Future capabilities will be rolled out throughout 2012.
About Aetna International
Aetna International is committed to helping create a stronger, healthier global community by delivering comprehensive health benefits and health management solutions worldwide. Aetna International's expatriate business is one of the industry's largest and most prominent U.S.-based international health benefits providers, supporting more than 400,000 members worldwide. The organisation’s expatriate offerings include medical, dental, vision, life, disability and emergency assistance. Aetna International’s health management business collaborates with health care systems, government entities and plan sponsors around the world to design and build locally-applied health management solutions to improve health, quality and cost outcomes. For more information, see www.aetnainternational.com.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.3 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.
