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SEATTLE – PriceDoc.com, a free Web site looking to provide healthcare consumers with price transparency, has launched its pilot program nationwide.
The Seattle-based Web site was originally launched in April with the goal of providing uninsured or underinsured consumers as well as those seeking elective procedures with insight regarding potential healthcare costs from qualified providers.
“Based on our recent experiences, there is a huge demand for what PriceDoc.com brings to consumers and healthcare providers," said Patrick Bradley, the company's president and chief operating officer. "Clearly, the idea of transparent medical pricing resonates with both groups.”
More than 1,800 providers have become PriceDoc.com subscribers, PricDoc officials said. More than 50,000 medical and dental procedures have been posted on the Web site, along with corresponding prices, and officials say those visiting PriceDoc.com have performed more than 331,000 searches for medical and dental procedures.
Officials say the Web site is expected to uphold quality of care standards. Consumers have the ability to locate providers in their area and review credentials and patient referrals. The Web site also provides a page for consumers with similar concerns to share and ask questions regarding medical procedures.
"I feel strongly that everyone should have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare," said Anthony Geraci, MD, of neurOasis in New York, in a press release supplied by PriceDoc.com. "With PriceDoc.com, I can offer people with no insurance, high deductibles or health savings accounts the services they need. The problem is that consumers don't know what to look for. PriceDoc.com makes it easier for patients to find providers who post prices and often offer fee reductions for cash payments."
In addition to pricing and procedures, PriceDoc.com provides a forum to enable patients to communicate with healthcare providers.
"PriceDoc offers a mass-market avenue for provider recognition," said Randal Swanlund, DDS, of Tacoma, Wash. "Consumers can review my prices and qualifications 24 hours a day, so I get more exposure. More importantly, the site creates a much-needed dialogue between patients and providers."
