Transparency initiatives: On the front lines of change

The move to greater transparency and consumer-driven health care is evolving in both the public and private sectors. On a federal level, theU.S. government is piloting initiatives focused on transparency in all government sponsored and administered health care programs, including Medicare. The private sector is also working on solutions to support transparency through collaboration with health insurers, providers, employers, consumer advocacy groups and community members.

A current example of transparency initiatives promoted in both the public and private sectors include patient feedback and experience tools. Some have created online tools for patients to share their experiences about a recent provider or hospital visit. The responses are then made available to providers and/or other consumers to view.

Additional public and private directives are emerging to further systematic change in support of transparency. Some of these directives include:

• Develop and publish consumer-friendly cost and quality information through collaboration with health insurers, providers, employers and other stakeholders;
• Use electronic health records to alert providers about recalls or breakthroughs;
• Patient feedback mechanism, enabling information sharing about provider services, between consumers;
• Create a reimbursement structure based on quality of service and results, rather than the quantity of procedures; thus driving an increase in value throughout the system;
• Provide information highlighting the latest improvements and best clinical practices in care;
• Augment coverage and design products to meet a wide range of needs;
• Coordinate research demonstrating the value of prevention and health improvement activities;
• Encourage and reward people to take specific, prescribed actions to improve their health and/or manage chronic conditions.

It is imperative that the public and private sectors continue to work together and leverage their activities in collaborative ways to increase transparency in health care. Consumers need to demand more information and make use of what is already available. Transparency efforts are a key ingredient to the future of health care reform.

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