Provider transparency update

A key goal of Anthem’s provider transparency initiatives is to improve quality while managing health care costs. One of the ways is through Anthem’s value-based programs such as Enhanced Personal Health Care, Bundled Payment Programs, Oncology Medical Home, and so on – called the “Programs.”  Certain providers (“Value-Based Program Providers” also known as “Payment Innovation Providers”) in Anthem’s various value-based programs receive quality, utilization and/or cost data, reports, and information about the health care providers (“Referral Providers”) to whom the Value-Based Program Providers may refer their patients covered under the Programs. If a Referral Provider is higher quality and/or lower cost, this component of the Programs should result in the provider getting more referrals from Value-Based Program Providers. The converse should be true if Referral Providers are lower quality and/or higher cost.

 

Providing this type of data, including comparative cost information, to Value-Based Program Providers helps them make more informed decisions about managing health care costs and maintaining and improving quality of care. It also helps them succeed under the terms of the Programs.

 

Additionally, employers and group health plans (or their representatives or vendors) may also be given quality/cost/utilization information about Value-Based Program Providers and Referral Providers so that they can better understand how their health care dollars are being spent and how their health benefits plans are being administered. This will, among other things, give them the opportunity to educate their employees and plan members about the benefits of using higher quality and/or lower cost health care providers.

 

Upon request, Anthem will share data on which we relied in making these quality/cost/utilization evaluations and will discuss with Referral Providers – including any opportunities for improvement. For questions or support, please refer to your local market representative or care consultant.