CIGNA’s New Electronic System Helps New Dentists Join the Network Faster, Reducing Time Filling Out Paperwork by More Than 85 Percent

CIGNA's New Electronic System Helps New Dentists Join the Network Faster, Reducing Time Filling Out Paperwork by More Than 85 Percent PPO Dentists Are the First to Use the Paperless System, While HMO Dentists Should Expect the Capability in the Fall

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Saving dentist offices nationwide approximately 26,000 hours a year combined versus unautomated systems, CIGNA's (NYSE:CI) electronic system speeds the way for first-time applicants to join the company’s network of dentists. Also called e-onboarding, the paperless credentialing system allows dentists to electronically sign their application and, using the Internet, securely send all required documentation and information such as professional history, licensure, dental specialties and education. Available now to PPO dentists, the new electronic credentialing system is scheduled for release to HMO dentists this fall.

The electronic system saves in many areas. It reduces a typical four hour process to a single-sitting of 15 to 30 minutes. Also, the process to formally accept and add a dentist to the CIGNA network can now be completed in just 24 hours or less, down from the usual four business days. Paperless systems also support CIGNA's corporate social responsibility green initiatives. This electronic system alone saves 750,000 pieces of paper per year. Earlier this year, Uptime Institute named CIGNA as one of the Global Green 100 for Corporate Leadership in Information Technology.

“In addition to being environmentally friendly, moving to a paperless system is part of our ongoing effort to make it easier to work with us and give dentists more time to focus on treating patients,” said Julie Vayer, vice president for CIGNA's dental network and products. “CIGNA also offers network and non-network dentists and their office staff convenient access via the Internet to eligibility, benefits and claim/referral information through our secure website for health care professionals.”

The secure site already offers additional time-and money-saving tools exclusive to both CIGNA network HMO or PPO dentists including free continuing education courses and discounts on products and services through CIGNA Network Rewards^SM.

CIGNA's national PPO network of dentists has more than 60,000 unique dentists serving patients in more than 130,000 office locations. CIGNA also has one of the largest dental HMO networks in the country with 13,700 unique dentists in 43,500 office locations. Individual customers can locate in-network dentists using the dentist directory on http://www.mycigna.com/ or on http://www.cigna.com. Dentists can also contact CIGNA to request information for participation in the company’s dental networks at 800.CIGNA24 (800.244.6224).

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE:CI), a global health service company, is dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and security. CIGNA Corporation's operating subsidiaries provide an integrated suite of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance, to approximately 46 million people throughout the United States and around the world. People covered by a CIGNA dental plan can choose their dentists from one of the largest dental HMO and dental PPO networks in the United States. To learn more about CIGNA, visit www.cigna.com. To sign up for email alerts or an RSS feed of company news, log on to http://newsroom.cigna.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=18.

CIGNA

Jim Angstadt, 215-761-8748

[email protected]

Source: CIGNA

Copyright Business Wire 2009 Saving dentist offices nationwide approximately 26,000 hours a year combined versus unautomated systems, CIGNA's electronic system speeds the way for first-time applicants to join the company’s network of dentists. The electronic system saves in many areas.