Transforming Health Care Through Technology with Purpose
Lindsay Knake
| 4 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Technology and data are essential to strategy and transformation at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Our information technology teams are addressing these challenges head-on. We're not just updating systems — we’re reimagining the way data, systems and teams interact to support better outcomes and more affordable solutions for our members and customers.
“Everything we do is about value to the business,” said Bill Fandrich, Executive Vice President, Information Technology and Operations. “You can’t just add. You’ve got to redesign. ”Every improvement is guided by a practical goal: to help create a more sustainable health care system for the people and communities we serve.
Reducing Waste with Smarter Infrastructure
A key step in transforming how we work has been moving from physical data centers to cloud-based platforms. This shift allows us to manage decades of health care data more efficiently, securely and at a lower cost.
- We’re reducing reliance on traditional data centers.
- More than 50 cloud platforms are now integrated across the business.
- In 2023 alone, more than 5 billion transactions were processed through these cloud environments.
Cloud services have reduced administrative costs while improving speed, security and access to data across departments. Currently, only nine cents of every premium dollar go to all administrative expenses. We’re also committed to reducing our administrative spending by $600 million over three years.
This change isn’t just internal — it directly impacts members and providers who rely on accurate, timely information to support care delivery and service.
Using Technology with Intention
Modernizing legacy systems isn't just about deploying new software. It involves deep integration between business and IT teams to reassess workflows, eliminate redundancies and develop solutions tailored to current needs.
“The challenge is not falling into the mindset of ‘this is my job and I need a better tool,’” Fandrich said. “Instead, we ask, ‘is there a different way to meet this goal altogether?’”
This kind of thinking is critical in health care, where outdated processes can drive unnecessary costs across the system. We're focused on finding smarter ways to work, not just faster ones.
Technology upgrades often require employees to adopt new ways of working—especially when moving from siloed platforms to enterprise-wide cloud solutions. Our teams prioritize cross-functional planning, change management and IT education to ensure transitions are successful.
Instead of asking what tool can improve a task, we ask whether the task still needs to be done at all. This approach has helped accelerate automation and reduce complexity across key functions.
Advancing Care with Responsible AI
Artificial intelligence is helping us detect health risks earlier and deliver care more effectively. Our advanced analytics teams use machine learning and predictive modeling to identify early signs of conditions like prediabetes and chronic kidney disease — leading to earlier intervention and lower costs for everyone.
As we introduce new AI tools, we do so with strong governance, responsible oversight and employee education. Our goal is to apply innovation where it matters most — and do it with care.
A Focus on Affordability and Impact
The pressures on the health care system require technology solutions that are both scalable and sustainable. IT modernization is one of the tools we use to help manage these pressures without compromising quality.
Our efforts align with broader affordability goals. By investing in infrastructure, streamlining processes and eliminating waste, we aim to stabilize costs for members, employers and providers alike.
A Workplace Focused on Solutions
Employees at Blue Cross are part of a culture that values innovation, purpose and impact. Whether working in IT, analytics, operations or clinical roles, our teams are solving real-world problems that affect the health and financial security of millions of people.
We’re not just modernizing how we work. We’re rethinking what’s possible — and building systems that make health care work better for everyone.
Are you interested in learning more about a career in IT at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan? Visit mibluedaily.com.
Image: Getty Images
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