Transparency goes mainstream

Most of the transparency tools available today do not provide meaningful information. In fact, some of the websites share "list price" for services, other tools show consumers a low-high range. Consumers do not have the necessary tools (data) to help make informed decisions about purchasing health care services. There has been some progress in this area, but we have a long way to go.

As a consumer advocate for health care price transparency, I launched a website to help consumers look-up and compare prices to find the best value for routine health care services. The website, www.outofpocket.com, is a platform for collecting and sharing that relies on consumer collaboration. My goal is to increase consumer price awareness, enable consumers make the most of their health care dollars, and encourage more competition and consumer-choice in the industry.

Every consumer is invited to use this free website to look up prices to help make informed decisions before purchasing routine health care services. Prices in the OutofPocket.com directory are collected from several sources including:

--Consumer Generated Content: Consumers anonymously post prices they paid for routine health care services, (including MRIs, mammograms, X-rays, lab tests, vaccinations, dental, vision and office visits), along with their personal recommendations on the provider
--Providers that Disclose Pricing: Providers are invited to submit prices for their services for inclusion in the directory
--Government CMS: Medicare payment data for common medical procedures is loaded in the directory

I invite you to visit www.outofpocket.com and let me know what you think.

Regards,
Mona
www.outofpocket.com