Think paying over $24,411 is a lot for back surgery?

How about paying $52,309 somewhere else?*

Compare hospital costs and quality at Anthem.com or rkashmiry.com

One procedure can carry different price tags at different facilities. Those differences can increase or decrease members' out-of-pocket costs. We have recently expanded our ground-breaking tool, Anthem Care Comparison, so that more members across Ohio can view hospital cost and quality information at different facilities throughout the state at rkashmiry.com or Anthem.com. Anthem Care Comparison now includes facilities in the Dayton, Cincinnati, and central Ohio regions, northeastern Ohio counties of Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Medina, Summit, Portage, Stark, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana.

Anthem Care Comparison provides total estimated costs associated with all aspects of 35 medical procedures performed at local area hospitals and medical facilities. Anthem Care Comparison is the only tool to bundle together related services and tests around a specific procedure to determine the total price, giving our members a complete picture of what an entire procedure typically costs.

Quality information is also included so that members can compare hospital expertise and experience. Members can access information regarding the number of patients treated, complication rates, mortality rates and average length of stay.

Since Anthem has one of the largest hospital networks in the country, members can feel confident that they can find the information they need to help them in their health care decisions.

So how does Anthem Care Comparison benefit you?

Anthem recognizes that is important for our members to build a trusting and open relationship with their doctor. Research shows that patients who have a good/open relationship with their doctor are more likely to ask questions and follow the doctor's advice. This can lead to better member health, lower out-of-pocket costs and bottom-line improvement for your clients.

Anthem Care Comparison is a primary feature of the company's 360° Health® program, one of the most robust benefits programs in our industry to comprehensively address preventive care, health improvement and care coordination. It provides health information collected from physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to our members through a single point of contact. It integrates all care management programs and tools into a centralized, consumer-friendly resource that assists members in navigating the health care system, using their health benefits and providing information to help them access comprehensive and appropriate care. 360° Health helps members access a wide range of services including online wellness and lifestyle programs, discounts on health-related products and alternative medicine therapies, and 24-hour access to health care professionals who can provide health information.

If you would like to know more about Anthem Care Comparison, please contact us!

* Cost Source: ACC: Area - Northeastern Ohio; Back Surgery - Spinal Fusion (upper back) - Inpatient Procedure; Southwest General Hospital $24,411 (minimum typical price); Lutheran Medical Center $52309 (minimum typical price)