The Los Angeles Times (9/22, Terhune) reports that California health officials yesterday “unveiled a website where consumers can look up average prices for common medical procedures — as well as quality scores for providers.” The California Healthcare Compare website is a collaborative effort by the state Department of Insurance, UC San Francisco, and Consumers Union. The groups “built the site using $3.9 million in federal grant money made available through the Affordable Care Act.” California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and consumer advocates “hailed the online tool launched Monday as the first step in prying more detailed prices from insurers, hospitals and doctors so patients facing high deductibles can find the best deal.”
The Sacramento (CA) Bee (9/22) reports that the website “provides average prices – by region – for treating 100 common medical conditions, from appendicitis to urinary tract infections.” The tool also “compiles existing quality ratings on hospital and medical groups, intended to help consumers assess their options when considering a medical procedure.”
Kaiser Health News (9/22) also reports the story.
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