Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC) is increasing its involvement in social media as part of its commitment to engage the community in conversations surrounding healthcare.

PHC has established a presence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and will use other social media sites as they become more popular options for the communities PHC serves.

“We are responding to our members and community stakeholders,” said Jack Horn, chief executive officer of Partnership HealthPlan of California. “One of our goals has always been to be a locally responsive health plan. We never stop looking for new ways to communicate so we can get fast honest feedback on how we’re doing. As an organization, we are excited to be a part of the social media experience, but we also know that our audience will drive this. That’s what social media is all about.”

Initial plans include the use of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to provide health tips, general information about PHC, job postings, articles on medical breakthroughs, community resources and local events.

As users engage PHC, content may shift depending on the level of interest.

“Ideally we should always be speaking to our members and the community in the ways that they choose – whether that’s by phone, email, postal mail, in person or through social media,” Horn said. “Otherwise, you’re just talking at them, not with them.”

Through conversations on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other sites, PHC has found yet another way to respond immediately to members’ concerns about their health care, while still protecting individual privacy and confidentiality.

“That part is key,” Horn said. “Messages we receive about members or their healthcare are treated just as we handle phone calls into our call center – quickly, completely and confidentially.”

PHC began operating in 1994 and serves Medi-Cal recipients in 14 Northern California counties.

Additional information can be found at www.partnershiphp.org .