Anthem Expands Transparency Initiative

Anthem National Accounts has expanded its transparency initiative into four new markets, including Ohio. Anthem members will have access to Anthem’s Care Comparison, an online tool that provides quality information, along with the total estimated costs associated with all aspects of nearly 40 specific medical procedures performed at local area hospitals. The cost information is facility specific, so members can compare the differences in cost among hospitals. 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 Anthem's 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 the Care Comparison tool nationally. http://www.bcbs.com/news/plans/anthem-national-accounts.html