Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Introduces Cost Disclosure Tool Throughout Nevada

LAS VEGAS,  Nov. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada announced today the expansion of its industry-leading transparency initiative beyond Clark County into the entire state.  Nevada members from Elko to Pahrump can now access Anthem Care Comparison, an online tool that provides information about costs of 59 specific medical procedures performed at local area hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and free-standing radiology facilities.  The procedures now include office visit and chiropractic visit costs.  

"Through this sophisticated tool, our members have access to the costs associated with all aspects of a specific medical procedure – not just the cost of the procedure itself, but also the costs of the entire spectrum of care, from lab tests to recovery room charges," said Mike Murphy, president and general manager of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada. "These medical care cost estimates will help our members better understand the overall costs they are likely to incur before a medical service is provided."

Anthem Care Comparison has been available in the Las Vegas area since 2007, and it recently rolled out to the entire state. In addition, Care Comparison added information for another 20 procedures for a total of 59, including brain MRIs, knee replacement surgery and screening colonoscopies. The cost information is facility specific, so members can compare the differences in cost among hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and/or free standing imaging centers, and get information on how frequently facilities perform each procedure, which can assist the member in assessing the care they seek.

With the expansion of the online resource, individual and group members throughout Nevada join 24 million Anthem and other Blue Cross and Blue Shield members nationwide.

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 feedback from members throughout the nation 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.

"Quality information is also included so that members can compare hospital expertise and experience," said Art Jones, M.D., Anthem's medical director in Nevada. "Members can access information regarding the number of patients treated, complication rates, mortality rates and average length of stay.  This quality information is available across the country."

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) selected Care Comparison as its national transparency platform for all Blue Plans, and each plan gets to decide whether to show the data on its website.  Most plans have chosen to do so, which means that members will be able to compare costs for procedures not only for Nevada but also in many markets outside the state.

Anthem Care Comparison is a primary feature of the company's 360° Health® program, one of the most robust benefits programs in our industry that comprehensively addresses preventive care, health improvement and care coordination. It provides health information collected from physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to our members through a single point of contact.  It integrates all care management programs and tools into a centralized, consumer-friendly resource that assists members in navigating the health care system, using their health benefits and providing information to help them access comprehensive and appropriate care. 360° Health helps members access a wide range of services including online wellness and lifestyle programs, discounts on health-related products and alternative medicine therapies, and 24-hour access to health care professionals who can provide health information.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada is available at www.anthem.com.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada