CONSUMER DATA: New Site Offers Access to Provider Reviews, Ratings
A new, free Internet site -- www.healthanswers.com -- that offers consumers objective information on doctors, hospitals and health insurance plans has been launched by HealthAnswers.com. The site, composed of data from HealthGrades.com, allows visitors to search and review ratings, profiles and directories of more than 5,000 hospitals, 400 health plans and 600,000 doctors nationwide. It includes specialty programs and services. Also offered are maps, driving directions and a health risk assessment tool that allows consumers to better understand their health and risk factors. Bob Cushman, vice president of operations at HealthAnswers.com Inc., said, "This agreement is the latest example of our commitment to providing our users with comprehensive resources and tools that allow them to make more well-informed decisions about their individual health." Kerry Hicks, CEO of HealthGrade.com Inc., agreed, saying, "This alliance ... extends our goal of empowering consumers to take more control in managing their own and their family's health care by providing an easily accessible source for reliable, objective information" (HealthAnswers.com, Inc. release, 2/3).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.