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Aetna begins to provide medical cost information for members

Just yesterday I wrote abouth the need for medical cost transparancy to help us become smarter consumers of healthcare. Today I spotted this article in the PalmBeachPost.com, Insurer unveils advance peek at doctors' bills.

Quote, "The information helps consumers doctor shop because rates can vary. For example, Aetna pays West Palm Beach orthopedic surgeon Pierre Girars $1,713 for a hip replacement. But it pays another West Palm Beach orthopedic surgeon, Milan DiGiulio, $1,456 for the same procedure. Doctors get paid differently because they negotiate with insurers separately."

Kudos to Aetna, the first to break the veil of secrecy. "Insurers have closely guarded payment data in the past, citing competitive pressures...Aetna tested its new doctor-pricing data in Cincinnati last year. In that market, about 1,000 consumers each month looked at the database, Aetna officials said. In addition to South Florida, the program is being rolled out in other markets, including Ohio, Connecticut and the Washington, D.C., area." The information is available to Aetna members in the markets mentioned above at AetnaNavigator.com

Posted by Phil Daigle on August 25, 2006 2:02 PM
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