Some good news.......
Company Press Release
SOURCE: APAC TeleServices, Inc.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to Partner With
APAC TeleServices
CHICAGO, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), a
leading national system of independent health care plans, and APAC TeleServices, Inc. (Nasdaq:
APAC - news), a premier provider of outsourced customer service and sales, jointly announced
today a long-term marketing alliance. The alliance allows both BCBSA and its Plans to contract
with APAC to provide call-center customer service, telemarketing support, and Internet-based
services with maximum cost efficiency and in accordance with quality standards agreed upon by
both organizations.
BCBSA's objective is to provide their independent Plans with a cost-effective channel that delivers
consistent, high-quality service. APAC will provide leading-edge, call-center services and
technology and help consumers, who are members of these Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, to
locate participating physicians, hospitals and caregivers. Three programs are underway already, with
additional initiatives now being developed.
The first two programs to be supported by APAC are ''Away from Home Care'' which helps
HMO travelers locate participating providers, and ''BlueCard'' which links participating providers
with Blue Cross and Blue Shield traveling members.
A third initiative being managed by APAC is the ''World Wide Web Provider Locator.'' This
state-of-the-art, Internet-based system will enable consumers to perform precise, online searches
for specific physicians, hospitals and caregivers according to specialty, geographic proximity, and
participation in a particular health care plan. Additionally, consumers will be able to print directions
to their providers' locations.
''We are very pleased to have APAC as our partner,'' said Scott Serota, executive vice president
and chief operating officer of BCBSA. ''Acting on behalf of the local Plans, and with the assistance
of Deloitte & Touche, our Association searched the teleservices industry for an appropriate
strategic alliance partner. Without a doubt, we found that in APAC. They understand consumers,
share our objectives, and offer top-quality, integrated solutions.''
Maureen Sullivan, BCBSA senior vice president added, ''APAC's vision for the Association,
proven knowledge of service and sales strategies, and commitment to growth make this an ideal
partnership. Our leadership in the health care industry will be enhanced and expanded by teaming
up with them.''
''Blue Cross and Blue Shield is one of the nation's best known and most respected brands,'' noted
Theodore G. Schwartz, APAC's chairman and chief executive officer. ''The Association and its
affiliates play an essential role in the lives of many families. We agree with our new partner's
emphasis on the importance of providing superior customer service. APAC is proud to be identified
with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and we look forward to a long and highly productive relationship.''
''We are excited especially about the growth potential of this new partnership,'' said Marc S.
Simon, APAC's president and chief operating officer. ''The scale and scope of our new clients'
activities are impressive. APAC has the people, processes and technology to provide integrated
service and sales solutions that will have impact in the health care services marketplace.''
As part of this agreement, BCBSA will provide APAC with staff, promotional support and
consulting services to help the teleservices company serve the individual affiliated Plans. In return,
APAC will provide an equity investment opportunity in the form of a five-year conditional warrant.
BCBSA, headquartered in Chicago, is an association of 55 independent, locally operated Blue
Cross and Blue Shield companies. Collectively, the Plans provide health care coverage to nearly 70
million -- one in every four -- Americans. Approximately 80 percent of all U.S. hospitals and 70
percent of U.S. physicians provide services under BCBSA Plans. The association's Web site is
www.bluecares.com.
Headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Deerfield, Ill., APAC operates 68 customer contact
centers and has more than 15,000 employees in 14 states. Founded in 1973, the company seeks to
optimize the value of its clients' customer relationships by improving customer service, increasing
sales, leveraging technology and managing change for corporate growth. Clients include some of the
best-managed, most highly respected corporations in America. These organizations represent a
wide range of industries, including business and consumer products, financial services, insurance,
delivery, retail, technology, telecommunications and utilities. The company's Web site address is
www.apacteleservices.com.
SOURCE: APAC TeleServices, Inc. |
