Anthem's Care Comparison Tool Gives Members the Most Complete Picture of
Costs Associated with Medical Procedures
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and
Blue Shield (Anthem) announced today the expansion of its industry-leading
transparency initiative into Maine. Anthem members in Maine now have access
to Anthem Care Comparison, an online tool that provides total estimated
costs associated with all aspects of nearly 40 specific medical procedures
performed at local area hospitals.
"One of the best things we can do for our members is help them become
more informed consumers of health care services so that they can make the
right decisions when it comes to their health care," said Dan Corcoran,
president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. "We're committed to
providing more and better information about the cost of health care
services and the quality of those services, and this tool is a significant
step in that direction."
The Anthem Care Comparison tool helps members understand the typical
costs associated with all aspects of a specific medical procedure -- not
just the cost of the procedure itself, but the costs of the entire spectrum
of care, from lab tests to recovery room charges. In addition, the cost
information is facility-specific, so members can compare the differences in
cost among hospitals. Anthem members can also get information on how
frequently facilities perform each procedure, which can assist the member
in assessing the care they seek.
Anthem's Care Comparison tool generates this information while also
factoring in hospital, physician, and anesthesia costs to help provide a
more accurate total cost analysis. "These facility-specific medical care
cost estimates help consumers understand the overall costs they are likely
to incur before a medical service is provided," Corcoran said.
The data generated for the Anthem Care Comparison tool comes directly
from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's paid claims data over the past 12
months and is updated quarterly. In addition, cost and quality information,
including ratings based on the number of services performed at each
facility, is supplied by several company-developed programs and
partnerships with leading information management companies.
"Ultimately, we want the Anthem Care Comparison tool to create
well-informed consumers of health care," said Jeff Holmstrom, D.O., medical
director for Anthem in Maine. "Creating knowledgeable consumers, employers,
physicians and hospital providers is an important element of transparency,
and an essential step in transforming the consumers' role in their own
health care."
Anthem Care Comparison is a feature of the company's 360 degree
Health(R) program, the most robust benefits program in the industry to
comprehensively address preventive care, health improvement and care
coordination. It provides health information and counsel collected from
physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to members through
a single point of contact. It integrates all care management programs and
tools into a centralized, consumer-friendly resource that assists members
in navigating the health care system, using their health benefits and
providing information to help them access comprehensive and appropriate
care. 360 degree Health helps members access a wide range of services
including online wellness and lifestyle programs, discounts on
health-related products and alternative medicine therapies, and 24-hour
access to health care professionals who can provide health information.
In September 2006, Anthem unveiled the Anthem Care Comparison pilot in
Dayton, Ohio, with partner General Motors, enabling thousands of Anthem
members and GM employees in Dayton to participate in this transparency
initiative. Since the rollout, Anthem has collected and analyzed member
feedback to help enhance the effectiveness of the Anthem Care Comparison
tool. More than 90 percent surveyed indicated the cost information provided
by the tool is valuable, while 84 percent said it increases their ability
to make good, informed decisions regarding where to have a medical service.
Anthem plans to continue expanding access to the Care Comparison tool
to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans across the country. With the
current expansion in Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut, nearly 8 million
Anthem members now have access to the industry's most complete transparency
tool.
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health
Plans of Maine, Inc., and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and
Blue Shield Association. (R)ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem
Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols
are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is
available at http://www.anthem.com .
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SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine
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Related links:
http://www.anthem.com
CONTACT:
Mark Ishkanian for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue
Shield in Maine, +1-207-822-8454
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