While initially hesitant to embrace ratings sites, more insurers are now offering such services on their Web sites, according to the report. In Oct. 2006, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield launched an online rating tool for members in several states, and, so far, 46,000 members have posted ratings. Wellpoint partnered with restaurant-rater Zagat in Jan. 2008 to provide a ratings service in 10 of its largest markets, and the insurer is expected to expand the service to all Wellpoint members by the end of this year, according to the report.
In addition, Consumers’ Checkbook partnered with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, CIGNA and some Blues plans to introduce a pilot consumer-generated ratings service in three cities, based on a model developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
While the various ratings systems that have been adopted differ in methodology, they have become more accepted by physicians over time, according to the story. Ratings tend to be favorable, and most respondents recommend their providers, several experts told Managed Healthcare Executive.
Read Managed Healthcare Executive’s story on consumer rating of physicians.
