EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., May 10, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In response to growing Internet use, CIGNA Behavioral Health (CBH) has enhanced its online capabilities to encourage consumers to access confidential help, coaching, information and support via the Web. CBH website users have grown 20 to 50 percent in a one-year time frame, reducing barriers to care and expanding access to education and information.
The updated Web-based services offered by CBH include online coaching and support for substance abuse, depression and anxiety for those enrolled in its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Student Assistance Program, as well as referrals for routine care for those covered by CBH behavioral management plans. Customized behavioral health information is also available.
“Our goal is to ensure that our members have appropriate support for their behavioral health concerns 24/7. Providing confidential Web-based access to information about a specific concern, referrals for care or even online coaching reduces barriers to care and improves customer satisfaction,” states Keith Dixon, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of CIGNA Behavioral Health. “Expanded use of our website each year shows that our online educational materials and services are working, helping to enhance the behavioral health care and treatment received by our members.”
Based on year-over-year comparisons, CBH has seen dramatic increases in the number of members requesting information by modes other than the telephone. Recently added online coaching programs and Web-based referrals for care are also showing growing use. On average, 1,000 consumers access CBH’s online coaching program for substance abuse, depression or anxiety each month while even more turn to the CBH Web site for an online referral.
CBH has a dedicated team of professionals who regularly update online libraries and Web content. “Studies show that consumers want access to quality health information online. Staying on top of health developments and passing on information to members is something we’re counted on to do,” adds Jodi Aronson Prohofsky, Ph.D., LMT, senior vice president of clinical operations for CIGNA Behavioral Health. “Knowledge is key and we want to give our members quality educational materials that support treatment for their specific behavioral health concern.”
CIGNA Behavioral Health (CBH), Inc., a subsidiary of CIGNA , provides behavioral care benefit management, EAPs, and work / life programs to consumers through health plans offered by large U.S. employers, national and regional HMOs, Taft-Hartley trusts and disability insurers. CBH, with headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minn., operates five care management centers around the U.S. in support of a national network of more than 47,000 independent psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers and more than 4,000 facilities and clinics. For more information, visit http://www.cignabehavioral.com/.
CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc.
Contact: Gwyn Dilday of CIGNA Behavioral Health, +1-818-500-6370,gwyn.dilday@cigna.com
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