CIGNA HealthCare for Seniors to Offer Free e-Visits Through RelayHealth(R)

PHOENIX, April 10, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CIGNA HealthCare for Seniors announced today that it will begin to offer free electronic visits (e- Visits) and other online health care services through the RelayHealth(R) network, McKesson's secure online connectivity service. CIGNA HealthCare for Seniors is the first Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan in Arizona to provide coverage for e-Visits through its physician network, CIGNA Medical Group (CMG). CMG is currently offering online health care services (including e-Visits at a nominal charge), to its non-Medicare patients.

CMG originally launched these online health care services at each of its 17 health care centers in mid-2006. Now all CMG patients may use RelayHealth to schedule or cancel appointments, refill prescriptions, request lab results, send a note to their doctor's office, request a referral, and manage their personal health record online. There is no charge to MAPD plan members for these services or for e-Visits. CMG patients covered under other plans are charged a nominal service charge for e-Visits.

E-visits allow patients who have a relationship with a CMG health care provider to consult with their physician about non-urgent medical needs, such as follow-up regarding a chronic condition, allergies or cough or cold symptoms, typically for a nominal fee.

"CIGNA HealthCare is committed to innovation and making health care delivery seamless and convenient for its members," states Bob Carroll, vice president and chief operating officer for CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona. "The e- Visits will improve access for members who may have less mobility and access to transportation to see their physician, further strengthening the quality of the health care we provide through our CMG Health Centers."

All CMG patients can log on to http://www.cmgaz.com/ to access the RelayHealth online services. RelayHealth also provides a full library of health topics for patients to browse on topics including allergies, arthritis and preventive care.

"CIGNA Medical Group and CIGNA HealthCare are grounded in the most important aspects of health care quality, safety and excellence in patient care," said Giovanni Colella, M.D., president of RelayHealth's Consumer Solutions. "They've grasped the incredible potential of online communication, especially in regard to the doctor-patient relationship, and we are pleased to help them realize its rewards."

RelayHealth connectivity solutions are designed to streamline clinical, administrative and financial interactions between patients, physicians, hospitals, pharmacies and payors, helping them collaborate to improve the quality of care and reduce administrative costs.

With more than 35 years of history, CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, Inc. is one of the oldest and largest health plans in the state. CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona provides health care coverage and employee benefit services to nearly 400,000 individuals throughout the state. The CIGNA Medical Group, a division of CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, is the Valley's largest multi-specialty group practice with approximately 145,000 patients and 18 offices located throughout metropolitan Phoenix. "CIGNA HealthCare" refers to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation . Products and services are provided by these operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation.

RelayHealth is part of McKesson Corporation. McKesson, currently ranked 16th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to helping its customers deliver high-quality healthcare by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and improving the quality and safety of patient care. Over the course of its 174-year history, McKesson has grown by providing pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management across the spectrum of care; healthcare information technology for hospitals, physicians, homecare, and payors; hospital and retail pharmacy automation; and services for manufacturers and payors designed to improve outcomes for patients. For more information: http://www.mckesson.com/.