DirectPath Launches Health Care Cost Estimator

DirectPath has launched the DirectPath Health Care Cost Estimator, designed to empower employees to estimate costs of medical procedures and treatments.

 

The tool allows employees to estimate in-network and out-of-network costs for procedures based on a geographic area. As a result, employees can take control of their health care spending—ensuring they receive the right care while containing costs for themselves and for their employers.

 

DirectPath helps steer employees toward procedures and treatments that ensure quality care at predictable and agreeable costs. Backed by an analysis of health care claims data from health plans and plan administrators from FAIR Health, the tool:

Generates cost estimates for health care procedures and treatments based on procedure code, keyword or common bundles (episodes of care), ranging from chemotherapy to colonoscopies and acupuncture;

Presents the information in an easy-to-understand summary that compares in-network versus out-of-network charge estimates, as well as estimated costs for related procedures; and

Offers details for contacting a DirectPath advocate, who can elaborate on employees’ options and educate them on the differences between each service. Once employees select their procedure or treatment, the advocates can also schedule the procedure and transfer medical records.

“Health care is extremely complex,” says Bridget Lipezker, senior vice president and general manager, Advocacy and Transparency, DirectPath. “Employers are trying to figure out how to maximize their health care investments and deliver quality options to employees. At the same time, employees want to control out-of-pocket spending while ensuring they receive the best care. To contain costs without sacrificing quality, it’s imperative that both employers and employees have a thorough understanding of their options. Our cost estimator tool, complemented by our robust and highly personal transparency and advocacy solutions, gives employees what they need to make informed decisions and limit spending for themselves and their employers.”

 

DirectPath Health Care Cost Estimator is available to all employees at client organizations and can be accessed through each client’s landing page.