Fall 2009
Care Comparison, new online tool for members, now available
Care Comparison, a new education tool from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) for BlueOptions members, will help educate members on options to consider before seeking elective care. The tool provides broad cost ranges for approximately 40 common procedures performed in hospitals, (both inpatient and outpatient hospital services), ambulatory surgical centers and imaging centers.
The cost ranges combine facility and physician allowed amounts. The combined costs are grouped into broad groupings, so members can educate themselves on the general costs for a procedure at area facilities, such as a breast biopsy or mammography. BlueOptions members can now access this information through MyBlueServiceSM, a secure members-only web portal. CareComparison is a welcome addition to MyBlueService which provides secure access to member information, online provider directories, health and wellness information and much more. BlueOptions members can also discuss this same information today with a Care Consultant.
The data is based on one year's worth of BCBSF claims and is updated monthly. Hospital quality information is provided, based on publicly reported data from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), WebMD® and The Leapfrog Group.
BCBSF is working to provide Care Comparison access to providers through Availity®1 Health Information Network in 2010.
1 Availity, LLC, is a multi-payer, joint-venture company. For more information or to register, visit Availity's website at www.availity.com. |
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Date Last Reviewed:
9/2/2009
Date Last Modified:
9/2/2009