Former Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina executives Jim Song and John Roos have launched Aphora Health, which offers access to international medical providers who offer care at 30% to 40% less than U.S. hospitals.
In November, the Cary-based company started offering services to consumers who pay out-of-pocket for cosmetic surgery and surgical services. Plans call for adding dental offerings in the future. It has formed partnerships with hospitals in Costa Rica and Thailand, with plans to add other locations.
Song is CEO of Aphora and is a former vice president of information technology operations at Durham-based Blue Cross. He has been an IT executive and consultant at several other organizations.
Roos is a former senior vice president and chief growth officer at Blue Cross, where he worked for 22 years before leaving in 2020. More recently he has been a consultant before cofounding Aphora.
“Everyone knows how expensive the US healthcare system has become, and that accessing affordable, quality care can be a serious challenge for many,” Song said in a release. “We are proud to offer consumers a different and better way.”
The privately held company is owned by individual investors with experience in early stage investments in health care, insurance and technology, according to a company spokeswoman.
About 2 million U.S. residents have traveled globally to access health care at more affordable rates, according to Aphora’s website.
