Healthcare Finance Review reports WellPoint will be using a healthcare product created Zagat to allow consumers to rate their overall experience with their doctors, but will not be tied to reimbursement levels. WellPoint plans to launch the rating system among its some 35,000 members using Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield subsidiaries in metropolitan Los Angeles, Connecticut and greater Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio markets.
The system will only be used to convey a patient’s overall experience with a doctor’s office and will not judge a doctor’s medical competency. The new survey tool will enable members to review their physicians on trust, communication, availability and environment and will feature a comments section, allowing members to expand on their ratings.
