Aetna Launches New Resource To Take The Guesswork Out Of Comparing Charges For Hospitals And Other Facilities
Online tool to offer cost comparisons for common medical procedures at hospitals and other facilities in 11 states and D.C.; complements continued expansion of physician-specific cost and clinical quality transparency to 16 new locations
HARTFORD, Conn., October 3, 2007 — Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) today announced that it will soon help its members answer another common health care question — how much can I expect to pay for a specific procedure performed in a hospital, surgical center or other free-standing facility? The answer will be provided by a new web-based resource, available through Aetna’s password-protected member website, which will allow Aetna members to compare cost ranges for services provided at specific facilities. It will show a range for the entire cost of over 30 common procedures — such as colonoscopies and hysterectomies -- from admission through discharge. This includes the facility charges, physician fees and any supplementary charges such as anesthesia services.
"Most consumers turn to the web to research cost and quality before making a big purchase, whether it’s a house, a car, or a major appliance. We’re absolutely determined to provide Aetna members that same level of detail on cost and quality when it comes time to purchase health care," said Aetna Chairman and CEO Ronald A. Williams.
"It’s been two years since Aetna began offering physician-specific pricing information to our members. Since that time we’ve solicited feedback from physicians and members to help us enhance and expand the program. Now, we’re responding to demand for information about specific facilities such as hospitals and surgical centers by allowing Aetna members to compare costs for an entire episode of care before the services are received," added Williams.
Consumers eager for cost and quality information
Even as Aetna expands its focus on health care transparency, more information is coming to light showing a growing need and demand for this information. Research shows that consumers vastly underestimate the cost of health care. For example, the average consumer believes a day in the hospital costs a little more than $1,000. In reality, the cost is more than three times that amount — an average of $3,600. Surveys also find that the majority of Americans are demanding specific cost information, with 85 percent indicating that hospitals and physicians should be required to disclose the cost of medical services to the public.
"As a health care consumer myself I know what it’s like to try and get information about the cost and quality of care. Despite the fact that the vast majority of Americans say that they want this detail, the process tends to be challenging and time-consuming," said Aetna President Mark T. Bertolini. "While we can’t change the process overnight, we are focused on making sure that Aetna members have the broadest set of information available with which to make informed decisions. And, we’re committed to enhancing our tools and information over time. So, what you see today is a foundation for future innovation."
Web-based transparency resources enhanced and expanded
Aetna’s response to the growing need for physician and facility-specific price and clinical quality information encompasses three specific resources. These web-based resources, which continue to expand over time, include:
- Medical Procedure by Facility Cost — Available in November 2007, this new tool will provide members with facility-specific costs for over 30 common medical procedures. Members can review a list of facilities in their area — such as hospitals, surgical centers and other free-standing facilities -- that provide the service, along with cost ranges for the service from admission through discharge. At launch, the program will offer information for facilities in all or parts of 11 states and the District of Columbia.
- Physician-specific Clinical Quality and Efficiency Transparency — Launched in August 2006, this program provides members with physician-specific indicators based on adverse events, 30 day hospital re-admit rates, overall efficiency in use of medical services, and volume of Aetna members treated.
- Physician-specific Price Transparency — Launched in August 2005, this program offers access to physician-specific pricing for up to 30 of the most common services and procedures performed in the physician’s office, such as routine office visits, strep testing, or x-rays.
Physician-specific price, clinical quality and efficiency transparency recently expanded to 16 new locations; clinical quality and efficiency transparency expanded to four new locations; and price transparency only expanded to four new locations. In total, Aetna members currently have access to clinical quality and efficiency information for 71,000 specialist physicians in 22 states and the District of Columbia and price information for 270,000 physicians in 25 states and the District of Columbia. An updated map detailing the locations for Aetna’s transparency programs is available in the pressroom at www.aetna.com and linked to the press release at www.businesswire.com.
Throughout the expansion of the program Aetna has maintained its commitment to communicating with the provider community, its customers and members about transparency in health care. Most recently, Aetna has begun reaching out to hospital administrators about its facility-based tool. Input from all constituents is considered as Aetna expands and enhances its programs. The facility-based tool, for example, is a direct result of member desire for information on the cost of procedures at specific hospitals and other free-standing facilities.
Aetna’s transparency tools are available exclusively to Aetna members who subscribe to Aetna Navigator, Aetna’s secure, password-protected member website. Members who log-in to Navigator can access the transparency resources described above, information about their benefits and claims, credible health information, tools that offer average pricing by geography, hospital quality data, an online provider directory, a health history report and health reminders.
Long-term focus on transparency goes beyond online resources
In addition to its long-term focus on health care transparency for its own members, Aetna supports federal government efforts to encourage transparency throughout the health care marketplace in America. Aetna was the first health insurer and one of the first employers in the country to sign the statement in support of the "Four Cornerstones of Value-Driven Health Care," released by the Department of Health and Human Services in November 2006. The "Four Cornerstones" are an important step in implementing the Executive Order on health care transparency signed by President Bush in August 2006. By signing the statement of support Aetna agreed to purchase health care for its 30,000 employees based on the overall value, quality and efficiency of care.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 34.9 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans in both the U.S. and internationally. www.aetna.com
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