National Consumer Cost Tool (NCCT) provider cost data available for review

We continue to support cost transparency, which involves making provider cost information available to members. We do this via our consumer transparency tools, BCBS AXIS/NCCT Cost Comparison, Care and Cost Finder, and Castlight. We display costs for common procedures that are non-emergent, high-cost, or high-volume. For these procedures, Anthem derives a cost range for the total episode of care, which includes all facility, professional, and ancillary services provided during an admission or outpatient visit. These costs are based on historical rates.

 

Cost and quality information is available nationally through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and is known as the National Consumer Cost Tool (NCCT).  In addition, the BCBS AXIS/NCCT data are used as the basis for the Care and Cost Finder tool and other third party transparency initiatives, which can be found on the home page of Anthem's Consumer Portal website.

 

Anthem has expanded the cost information that will be available to members through the Care and Cost Finder tool. Members using Care and Cost Finder will be able to view provider-specific costs for additional professional and ancillary services, including provider-specific office visit cost data.

 

The current version of the cost comparison transparency data will be updated in January 2020, and will be available for provider review in December 2019 prior to its release via Availity.  If you have questions regarding Anthem Care Comparison, Estimate Your Cost, or our expanded transparency initiatives, please contact David Spencer, Sr. Provider Network Manager at david.spencer@anthem.com.