To help members make informed
decisions when seeking care, IBC will launch a new online capability that
allows all commercial and Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO members, including
those who carry an Independence Administrators ID card, to post reviews and
ratings for IBC network physicians from whom they've received care. This
initiative comes from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), an
association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, and applies to all
Blue plans nationally.
This new tool will be available to
members through our secure consumer website, ibxpress.com, or through
MyIBXTPA.com for Independence Administrators members.
Physicians will be able to view their reviews
through the provider finder tool. Reviews will also be displayed nationally on the Blue National Doctor & Hospital
FinderSM.
Members will be able to rate their
network physicians 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.
Patient review is valuable
Not only is patient review a valuable
tool that can provide you insight into your patients' experiences, but it can
also attract new patients. While there are many factors to consider when
patients choose a health care provider, online patient reviews are highly
sought after pieces of information for consumers. And patient reviews are
frequently positive ? some providers have even used reviews as a means to
promote their practice.
Once the tool is available, we
encourage you to tell your patients so they can contribute to your reviews.
Moderation of reviews
It is important to note that a rigorous
process will be in place to authenticate, verify, and moderate member reviews
prior to them appearing on the provider finder tool, a process that will help
ensure that only authenticated members who attest that they have seen the
physician can contribute reviews. In addition, all reviews are checked for
appropriateness of language and content.
Look for more information about this
valuable new tool in future editions of Partners in
Health Update.