New BCBSNC Tool Publishes Average Healthcare Costs for Members
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC is now offering a new online tool that promotes health cost clarity for members by publishing the average prices it pays for various healthcare-related expenses. BCBSNC’s Health Cost Estimator, currently available to members at www.bcbsnc.com, offers one of the most comprehensive listings of total average costs related to diseases and conditions of any health insurance plan available.
The Health Cost Estimator includes average costs for:
- Physician office visits
(With separate categories for men’s, women’s and children’s services)
- Diagnostic screenings and surgical procedures
(With costs broken out by place of service)
- Treatment of diseases and conditions
(Total costs include office visits, hospital costs, drugs, tests and other services)
- Commonly used prescription medications
(Including cost differences between relative name brand and generic medications)
The average costs listed by the Health Cost Estimator are calculated using BCBSNC actual statewide claims data for the most commonly used services by members. Actual costs of medical services provided to members depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the case, the actual treatment received, BCBSNC’s contracted prices with particular physicians and facilities, and other circumstances.
BCBSNC is making this information available to members in order for them to better understand the true costs of healthcare and the value they receive through their current health plan. BCBSNC hopes members will be able to use this information to make more informed choices about quality, cost-effective healthcare options. In addition to promoting health cost clarity to members, the Health Cost Estimator is intended to support current BCBSNC initiatives to increase the quality, safety and effectiveness of healthcare.
The Health Cost Estimator is available to all BCBSNC members who sign up for online members services. Should you have any questions about the Health Cost Estimator, please refer to the information sheet attached to this email, or contact our office at 919-403-1986.
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January 29, 2008
Hill, Chesson & Woody
Employee Benefit Services
194 Finley Golf Course Road, Suite 200,
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone: 919.403.1986
Fax: 919.913.0237
www.hcwbenefits.com