Capital BlueCross highlights evolution of the health care industry

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital BlueCross will host internationally renowned health care futurist Joe Flower at its 2014 health care forums in April, which will trace how the health care industry has evolved and where it is headed for businesses and consumers post-health care reform.

Titled Picture This: The Development of the Health Care Industry, the invitation-only forums are scheduled from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa., April 29 and the ArtsQuest™ Center at SteelStacks™ in Bethlehem, Pa., April 30. In addition to a keynote by Flower, the events also will feature an interactive panoramic display illustrating the history of the health care industry.

"As part of the region's health care industry for more than 75 years, Capital BlueCross is excited to present a look-back at the evolution of health care along with Mr. Flower's perspectives on the industry's future," said Gary D. St. Hilaire, Capital BlueCross president & CEO. "We also look forward to sharing how we at Capital BlueCross are leading the change in the industry with confidence, bringing new innovations and capabilities to market that meet our customers' health and financial needs with more choice and greater convenience."

Flower is author of Healthcare Beyond Reform: Doing it Right for Half the Cost, a widely acclaimed manifesto on where health care is and needs to be heading, based on his in-depth survey of health care trends and innovation. With over 30 years of experience, he has emerged as a premier observer and thought leader on the deep forces changing health care in the United States and around the world. His presentation will specifically address:

• Ways to control costs in the face of a changing health care industry;
• What organizations must know – and do – to thrive in this environment; and
• Developing effective and feasible strategies for businesses and consumers.

The forums will also feature time zone displays highlighting the evolution of health care and health insurance:

• 1930s: The beginning of Capital BlueCross
• 1960s: The rise of technology and its impact on cost, quality and transparency
• 1970s: Endorsement of the health maintenance organization (HMO)
• 1980s: The impact of medical coding
• 1990s: Health care reform, two decades in the making
• 2000s and beyond: Capital BlueCross continues to lead the change

About Capital BlueCross
For more than 75 years, Capital BlueCross has been serving central Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley residents and businesses as the region's leading health insurer. Through its family of companies, Capital BlueCross brings innovative services and clinical solutions to the marketplace. Committed to delivering medical value to its communities, Capital BlueCross focuses on improving patient satisfaction, enhancing quality of care and reducing costs. The company continues to lead the change in the industry, most recently by entering the retail market and introducing a first-of-its-kind health and wellness store called Capital Blue. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, employing more than 1,800 people. More information about Capital BlueCross can be found at capbluecross.com.

Editor's Note: The media is invited to attend the forums. Keynote speaker Joe Flower and Capital BlueCross executives will be available for interviews.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross

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