Axway and Blue Cross Blue Shield: A Q&A on security, compliance, and scalability

I recently sat down with healthcare and life sciences sales executives to discuss their experiences working with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) companies and licensees. They share insights into the challenges faced by enterprise architects and infosec teams, and how Axway’s solutions are driving tangible results.

Derick Brownell: Thank you both for joining me today. Let’s dive right in:

What are some of the biggest concerns BCBS companies and licensees have when it comes to security and compliance?

Keith Brasch: Thanks, Derick. Security is always the number one concern. BCBS companies and licensees handle a massive amount of patient data, including HIPAA-protected information, so they’re extremely focused on preventing security breaches and unauthorized access.

We work closely with CISOs and VPs of Infrastructure to ensure their security needs are met.

Fran Gerace: Absolutely. Many organizations try to work around infosec teams, as security can be a challenging hurdle. But at Axway, we take the opposite approach—we lead with security.

That’s something BCBS companies and licensees truly value because we ensure their data is protected right from the start.

Learn how Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), a licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association in five states, delivers always-on access to quality care with Axway.

Beyond security, what are enterprise architects at BCBS companies and licensees focusing on?

Fran: Integration is the biggest challenge. BCBS has multiple backend systems that need to communicate seamlessly.

A key question we often hear from enterprise architects is: “How will Axway integrate with our existing infrastructure?” That’s where our expertise comes in—we make integration smooth and efficient.

Keith: That’s right. Traditionally, much of healthcare data exchange was file-based, but the industry is now shifting toward real-time, API-driven integration.

Axway’s solutions support both, allowing BCBS to transition without disrupting their current operations.

Speaking of solutions, what specific Axway technologies are making an impact at BCBS?

Keith: Two major ones: Managed File Transfer (MFT) and universal (or federated) API management with Amplify Platform.

MFT ensures secure, reliable data exchanges, while Amplify enables real-time data access. These technologies are critical for processes like eligibility verification, claims processing, and secure provider communications.

See also: What is Federated API Management? [Definition, Drivers, and Benefits]

Fran: A great real-world example is eligibility verification. When a patient needs urgent care, the provider often requires near-real-time verification of the patient’s eligibility for care. This ensures the patient receives the appropriate care and a satisfactory outcome.

Our solutions ensure that BCBS updates this data in real time, so providers always have the most accurate information.

See also: Healthcare Integration: Create More Value with APIs and Hybrid Integration

That’s a great use case. Any other success stories that stand out?

Keith Brasch: One of the most significant shifts we’ve seen is BCBS moving away from batch file transfers to real-time API integrations.

This transition helps streamline operations and enhances the patient experience. Axway has been key in making this shift as seamless as possible.

For anyone in healthcare IT considering Axway, what’s your advice?

Fran Gerace: Join our upcoming webinar. We’ll cover real-world applications and demonstrate how Axway can help BCBS and similar organizations enhance security, integration, compliance, and scalability.

Keith Brasch: And don’t hesitate to reach out. We take a customized approach for every client—we listen first, then tailor our solutions to their specific needs.