Health insurers are beginning to reveal the costs of health care services, a move that might “ultimately change what providers charge and how much consumers pay,” the Miami Herald reports.
Charges for services can vary by as much as 30% depending on the provider, according to Cigna. Cigna spokesperson Joe Mondy said providing price information to consumers “helps provide clarity on how much things cost.” In January 2007, Cigna in 58 markets will begin to offer the Cigna Care Network, which will include doctors who score well on quality and cost-efficiency measures. The trend has sparked concern among some physicians about the definitions of efficiency standards.