Doctors’ prices listed on Web site

By: AP

NASHVILLE (AP) — Health insurer BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee says its customers will soon be able to compare doctors on quality of care and costs.
Starting in April, the state’s largest health insurer said it plans to give members access to how much individual doctors charge for various procedures.
The insurer also will rate doctors based on whether their patients got the right treatments or tests required for certain conditions.
The insurer says the online information will help its customers make good choices, but skeptics say the ratings could be used to steer patients to cheaper doctors.
And some doctors are questioning the accuracy of the information which they are able to review now.
Doctors will have the chance to appeal the information.
Published in The Messenger 2.27.08