Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Introduces Transparency Initiativ...( Anthem's Care Comparison Tool Gives...),Health

Anthem's Care Comparison Tool Gives Members the Most Complete Picture of

Costs Associated with Medical Procedures

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) announced today the expansion of its industry-leading transparency initiative into Maine. Anthem members in Maine now have access to Anthem Care Comparison, an online tool that provides total estimated costs associated with all aspects of nearly 40 specific medical procedures performed at local area hospitals.

"One of the best things we can do for our members is help them become more informed consumers of health care services so that they can make the right decisions when it comes to their health care," said Dan Corcoran, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. "We're committed to providing more and better information about the cost of health care services and the quality of those services, and this tool is a significant step in that direction."

The Anthem Care Comparison tool helps members understand the typical costs associated with all aspects of a specific medical procedure -- not just the cost of the procedure itself, but the costs of the entire spectrum of care, from lab tests to recovery room charges. In addition, the cost information is facility-specific, so members can compare the differences in cost among hospitals. Anthem members can also get information on how frequently facilities perform each procedure, which can assist the member in assessing the care they seek.

Anthem's Care Comparison tool generates this information while also factoring in hospital, physician, and anesthesia costs to help provide a more accurate total cost analysis. "These facility-specific medical care cost estimates help consumers understand the overall costs they are likely to incur before a medical service is provided," Corcoran said.

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