Praise for PacifiCare

PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. has joined the ranks of the cyber-savvy.

The Santa Ana managed health care company made a list of 500 companies seen as the most innovative and aggressive in using Internet technology, according to the June 15 issue of PC Week magazine. The publication compiled the list after surveying more than 90,000 U.S. companies on their Internet use.

In the last year, PacifiCare has supplemented its Web site, at https://www.pacificare.com, by offering health plan members online guides to doctors. It also added private areas for members, doctors, and others and expanded its internal electronic networks among employees.

Among other things, a company spokesperson said, Internet technologies help enhance customer service by cutting down on paperwork and simplifying communications.

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Barbara Marsh covers health care for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7762 and at barbara.marsh@latimes.com.