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SEATTLE, Nov. 2 PriceDoc.com, a free, transparent healthcare pricing service, today announced its successful Seattle-based pilot program is now available to patients nationwide. More than 1,800 providers from across the country have already become PriceDoc.com subscribers and posted more than 50,000 medical and dental procedures that are available for cash prices. To date, patients have performed more than 331,000 searches for medical and dental procedures, accessed provider information and reserved a price.
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With more than 47 million Americans without health insurance and an additional 100 million without dental insurance, there is an obvious need for greater access to affordable healthcare (1). PriceDoc.com, which began its pilot program in the Seattle area in April 2009, is a free website where consumers who are uninsured, underinsured or seeking elective procedures can view and reserve prices with qualified providers for cash or credit card payments. Patients can also submit a bid for services at their desired price to multiple providers through PriceDoc.com's patent-pending online bidding system. PriceDoc.com's transparent cash pricing is also attractive to employees who deposit tax-free dollars into health savings accounts to help offset the higher out-of-pocket costs.
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"Today we move from a regional program to a national service. Based on our recent experiences, there is a huge demand for what PriceDoc.com brings to consumers and healthcare providers," said Patrick Bradley, president and chief operating officer of PriceDoc.com. "Clearly, the idea of transparent medical pricing resonates with both groups, and we're looking forward to making our service available to people across the country."
PriceDoc.com and subscribing providers both recognize that quality of care is never compromised by the fee-for-service paid by the patient. With PriceDoc.com, consumers can identify local providers and review provider experience, credentials and patient referrals, ensuring they receive high-quality healthcare. PriceDoc.com community members can also identify other users with similar healthcare concerns and ask questions, share experiences and provide support.
"I feel strongly that everyone should have access to affordable and high-quality healthcare," says Anthony Geraci, MD, of neurOasis in New York City. "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."
By listing their services and prices on PriceDoc.com, healthcare providers gain access to "cash-paying" patients who optimize their office scheduling, secure fees-for-service and offer cash payments that reduce paperwork and overhead costs.
"PriceDoc offers a mass-market avenue for provider recognition," says 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."
PriceDoc.com works to connect consumers and providers in mutually advantageous relationships. Above all, PriceDoc.com is committed to helping providers focus on what they do best--helping patients.
To learn more, visit www.pricedoc.com or contact them at 1.877.783.2771
(1) U.S. Census Bureau, 2006
SOURCE PriceDoc.com
