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Added features of the Find a Doctor tool promote consumer engagement

February 1, 2013

In December 2012 we launched our new Find a Doctor tool, which allows users to conduct more efficient online searches for network doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other health care professionals. In addition to this search function, IBC members and plan members who carry an Independence Administrators ID card now have access to other new features through our secure member websites, ibxpress.com or MyIBXTPA.com, including the ability to: write reviews for their physicians in the IBC or Independence Administrators network; estimate costs for facility and ancillary services to help determine their member out-of-pocket costs. These tools are designed to help members become better informed and more empowered about their health care choices. Member reviews of participating physicians Members who log on through our secure member websites can now read and write reviews about their experiences with IBC or Independence Administrators network physicians from whom they have received care and indicate whether they would recommend their physician. In addition, members can rate their network physicians on a scale of one to five stars in the following areas: Experience: Overall care provided by the physician. Communication: Willingness of physician to listen to their concerns. Availability: Ease and timeliness of obtaining an appointment. Environment: Friendliness of office staff. A comprehensive process is in place to moderate all submitted reviews for inappropriate content or language and to verify that the member had a visit with the physician within the past six months. Non-members and providers can read the reviews but cannot write them. Estimating costs for certain services Another new feature is the Cost Estimator tool, which allows members to view estimated cost ranges for approximately 130 inpatient, outpatient, and diagnostic procedures performed at our network hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and other diagnostic facilities.* This information helps members to understand how costs are calculated and can be used to determine their member out-of-pocket costs. Example: Colonoscopy with Removal of Lesions* This example shows the estimated total costs for a colonoscopy with removal of lesions. Cost ranges are calculated based on the average total allowable costs for the episode of care for each category, which may include facility, professional, diagnostic, and pre-admission testing costs. By clicking on the blue circle next to ?Est. Cost,? members can view a list of what items are factored into the given estimate. In this example, the cost ranges include X-ray visualization, examination of the tissue sample, doctors? fees, and drugs/supplies used during the outpatient procedure. When reviewing cost information, we encourage members to take into consideration publicly available hospital quality data, such as information published on www.phcqa.org and other information available through third-party data sources on ibx.com. If you have any questions about these new features of the Find a Doctor tool, please call 1-800-ASK-BLUE.

*Cost estimates are not a guarantee of payment amount.


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