BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has delayed its plan to post cost and quality information about individual physicians online after doctors questioned the accuracy of the data, the Tennessean reports.
David Moroney, the insurer's chief medical officer, said the delay is aimed at correcting the errors (Ward, Tennessean, 3/11).
The insurer was expected to post the physician cost and quality data online beginning in April. The information will include how much individual physicians charge for various procedures and physician quality ratings based on whether patients received treatments or tests required for certain conditions.
In an earlier letter to physicians, BlueCross said doctors will be able to review the cost and quality data on the new Web site about 60 days before consumers gain access and appeal incorrect ratings (iHealthBeat, 2/7).
BlueCross did not reveal the length of the delay, but Moroney said the insurer still plans to roll out the site after addressing physicians' concerns.
Scott Wilson, BlueCross spokesperson, said the program was not supposed to be announced publicly until all of its details were worked out (Tennessean, 3/11).