Topic: Consumer Information 04/30/2007

EVENTS

SEP

Policy Committee Governance Work Group Meeting

Online

SEP

Policy Committee Enrollment Work Group Meeting

Online

SEP

Health IT Quality Measures Work Group Meeting

Online

View All Events

FROM THE FOUNDATION

HIT Adoption Among California Dentists

What's the level of interest among California dentists in adopting health information technology, such as electronic dental health records, and how many are already making use of such systems? This snapshot of survey data provides some answers.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Call for Applications

This project will support clinics in providing remote diabetic retinopathy screenings to patients by funding retinal cameras, software, and expert consultation from the UCB School of Optometry. Applications are being accepted now through October 2010.

Revisiting the HITECH Act, One Year Later

A new report examines the progress implementing the U.S. government's multi-billion-dollar effort to jump-start adoption of information technology tools in the health care industry. Recommendations for further action by the White House and Congress are included.

Indiana Insurer Goes Public with Prices

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana on Monday launched an online tool that allows its members to check the prices of 38 procedures and services at area hospitals, the Indianapolis Star reports.

The tool, which is available on Anthem's Web site, includes costs for the procedures, as well as related expenses, such as lab work, anesthesia and recovery room fees. Costs vary by reimbursement rates (Lee, Indianapolis Star, 4/30).

Anthem last fall tested the Care Comparison tool with General Motors employees in Dayton, Ohio, David Lee, vice president of health care management for Anthem in Indiana, said. In addition to central Indiana, Care Comparison is being expanded into Cincinnati; Lexington, Ky.; and Louisville, Ky. (Roysdon, Muncie Star Press, 4/30).

Area health systems also are posting price information online. Clarian Health this month launched a site that provides estimated out-of-pocket costs and total expenses for various procedures at Clarian Hospitals, the Star reports. Community Health Network posts some quality information on its Web site and plans to post price information this year, Bill Corley, CEO of Community, said (Indianapolis Star, 4/30).