ODS Health Plan was recently awarded TriZetto's 2012 Power Award in the category of Operational Excellence. TriZetto, a leading provider of healthcare IT software and service solutions, recognizes organizations each year that demonstrate measurable success in Integrated Healthcare Management (IHM) to improve administrative efficiency and overall care delivery.

"This is really an accomplishment for our entire organization," said Sue Hansen, chief information officer at ODS Health. "It recognizes and validates what we all do to achieve operational excellence on a daily basis for our customers."

When presenting the award, Trace Devanny, chairman and CEO of TriZetto, hailed ODS as "a pacesetter in using information technology to nimbly adapt to change, drive efficiency and innovation, and seize strategic advantage from new opportunities."

TriZetto built the Facets engine that powers core technology for health organizations around the world. Since going live on Facets, ODS Health has increased its auto-adjudication rate for dental claims from 45 percent to 83 percent, increasing the rate for medical claims from 12 percent to 71 percent. Achieving increased operational efficiency in processing claims is another example of ODS Health's leadership role in implementing cutting-edge products to deliver better health management.

"As a leader in delivering innovative healthcare services to our customers, ODS Health is committed to investing in technologies and implementing enhancements that deliver a better overall healthcare experience," said Hansen.

ODS eDoc provides unlimited access to board-certified healthcare professionals who are available around the clock to answers your health-related questions. While eDoc allows you to have a personal dialogue with highly qualified physicians, pharmacists, psychologists, dentists, dietitians and fitness experts, by simply asking any eDoc provider a question during the months of August, September or October of 2012 you will be entered to win a $25 gift card to giftcertificates.com.*

Each month, 10 people will win a $25 gift card. That's a total of 30 lucky winners!

To access ODS eDoc and ask your question, log into your myODS account today.

*All ODS members are eligible for this offer.

When signing up for the Oregon Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA), participant can order a 2012 BCC Commemorative T-shirt. Bikers can also take advantage of the many BTA member discounts at more than 80 bikes shops and local merchants across the state.

The BTA will hold weekly prize drawings, as well as give away prizes such as light sets from Portland Design Works, Columbia Backpacks, Free Bike Tune-up certificates and Keen Shoes gift cards throughout the Portland Metro Area in September to commuters seen wearing their BCC T-shirts.

Stepping up for the challenge is a great way to have fun and improve an individual's overall health.

While ODS members can go anywhere for lab work, remember that there is a way you can help them save money with a simple request.

When members request that their lab work be sent to Quest Diagnostics labs, the preferred laboratory partner for ODS, they'll enjoy a lower out-of-pocket cost that can potentially save more than 60 percent compared with hospital-based labs. Check out at the average costs a member pays for the same test using the following laboratory providers.

Laboratory provider testing fees:

• Quest Diagnostics: $7.94
• Hospital-based labs: $20.00
• Non-participating labs: $34.30

Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services. ODS' partnership with Quest Diagnostics helps us give our members access to high-quality, cost-effective care, while offering savings that really add up.

Quest Diagnostics also delivers:

• Online patient service center (PSC) locator and appointment scheduling to minimize wait times
• More than 3,000 clinical, esoteric and anatomic pathology tests performed at one of 32 testing facilities nationwide
• Consultation with more than 800 M.D. and Ph.D. specialists for rare or difficult test results

Just remember - to help our members save money, let them know to request all of their lab work goes to Quest Diagnostics.

Members can get more information about Quest Diagnostics and schedule appointments at http://www.questdiagnostics.com/home/patients or by calling 888-277-8772.