Feature Release: Procedure-level out-of-pocket cost data now available to patients and GPs

We are excited to announce that HealthShare has developed the next iteration of fee transparency on our Find-a-Provider platform.

For patients and GPs seeking a Specialist, Private Health Insurers (PHIs) can now display Provider ‘out-of-pocket cost’ and gap scheme participation history at the procedure level – for example, Knee Arthroscopy or Total Knee Replacement.

The solution, a first of its kind in Australia, will accessible through www.HealthShare.com.au, via the online provider directories of Australia’s health insurers, and in the HealthShare Referrals Directory within leading GP software, Best Practice and MedicalDirector.

HealthShare CEO Rami Weiss said, “For patients and GPs, it introduces more targeted procedure specific insight to Specialist gap scheme participation. Understanding out-of-pocket costs associated with in-patient medical procedures has long been a challenge for Australians.

Understanding out-of-pocket costs associated with in-patient medical procedures has long been a challenge for Australians.

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“Limited information and varying costs between doctors has traditionally made it difficult for patients to make informed decisions about the affordability of healthcare. The inclusion of procedure-level cost data will pave the way for greater transparency. Combined with HealthShare’s already rich Specialist profile information, we are building on our mission to enable better informed health choices.”

Of course, cost is only one measure across a range of factors that influence Specialist referral choices. HealthShare works directly with Specialists to include a broad range of information in their HealthShare profiles that is important to patients and GPs. Beyond basic specialty, contact and referral details, profiles are enhanced with sub-specialties, special interest areas, information on multiple locations, indicative wait times, hospital affiliations, qualifications and languages spoken.

Over the next 6 months, there will be a strong focus on enabling Specialists to add their own information about fees and use of gap schemes to their HealthShare profiles. In addition to the patient and GP benefit, this is particularly valuable for Specialists who recognise transparency as a means to build trust and drive their business.