FROM THE FOUNDATION

Store-and-Forward Teledermatology Facts

Dermatologists can serve many more patients by making use of store-and-forward teledermatology systems. This CHCF paper looks at criteria for evaluating these systems, and gives a comparative overview of four available applications.

Clinics Collaborate on EHR Deployment

EHRs can help California's safety-net clinic patients, and collaboration between clinics can significantly smooth the way to successful adoption. This issue brief looks at the lessons learned by eight clinic networks.

Telepsychiatry in the Emergency Room

Telepsychiatry is used in some emergency departments to make the process of evaluating and treating patients with mental health issues more efficient. This paper examines seven ED telepsychiatry programs.

April 30, 2007 - Topic: Consumer Information

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).


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