Boston-based healthcare communication network partners with health insurers

A collaborative between health information technology firm NaviNet and a consortium of health insurers is aimed to create better quality and lower-cost healthcare in Boston and elsewhere, Boston Business Journal reports.

St. Louis, Missouri-based Lumeris Corporation and three Blue Cross Blue Shield plans - Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross of Pittsburgh and Highmark of Pittsburgh - were all part of the acquisition, which the news source believes is a "coming wave" of alliances between health plans and health IT firms.

"Facilitating better care collaboration has been a huge focus for us and this acquisition clearly demonstrates that others share our vision and are willing to push it to the forefront," said NaviNet CEO Bradley Waugh. "We're thrilled to be working alongside such industry leaders and look forward to collectively setting the standard for accountable care."

Boston-based NaviNet attests that it's one of the largest real-time communications networks for physicians, hospitals and insurers. It has already obtained around $50 million in funds from venture capital firms in Boston and elsewhere.

One of the highest-ranked Boston accounting firms, KLR boasts 160 team members across the East Coast. Because of its expansive reach, employees are able to specialize in support for healthcare-based companies, including practice management consulting, corporate compliance assistance and business valuation services.