Transparency Program Launched by Insurer in Wisconsin
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield introduced a new, cutting-edge transparency program for northeastern Wisconsin. The new Anthem Care Comparison program is a tool that allows patients to estimate costs for 39 different medical procedures that are most commonly completed at local hospitals around the country. News was posted on the Anthem website.
The Care Comparison provides patients with a complete cost assessment of the entire range of services associated with a procedure. Costs considered include lab tests, physician costs, and anaesthesia, along with other services usually delivered to provide patients with the most accurate cost estimate. An additional tool on the site provides patients with data about the frequency with which procedures are performed at a given hospital.
Data for the Care Comparison system is compiled by claims information collected by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for the period 12 months before the tool is used. Price information is updated on a quarterly basis. Other information included details both quality and cost. This information is based on information provided by partnerships with information management corporations, as well data collected by Anthem.
With the benefit of this tool, patients can compare costs from different facilities. This information, Anthem notes, can be used by patients to help determine the facility where they will undergo a given procedure based on a clearer idea of their out-of-pocket expenses. As well, it is a key step in ensuring cost transparency across healthcare.
The Care Comparison tool was initially launched by Anthem in September 2006 when the project was piloted in Dayton, Ohio through a partnership with General Motors. That effort yielded data from members about program effectiveness. The vast majority of members valued the tool and noted that it provides meaningful information to guide decision-making.
Anthem’s goal is to provide healthcare consumers with information to improve decisions about their own health. The Care Compare system is a tool that can also be leveraged by physicians, hospital providers, and employers improve care delivery. The company plans to continue rolling out the program across Wisconsin, as well as introducing it nationally.
May 8, 2008 Related topics: Finance, Trends, Partnerships & Consortia, Quality, Safety, Errors