In singing the praises of its SmartChoice program, which calls patients with pricing information for imaging services, Cool Springs-based MedSolutions also details a crucial byproduct. Providers who are getting bypassed because they are charging more for the same services are renegotiating their rates. Ah, the disinfectant that is sunshine...

“This program is a natural next step for our company,” said Thorne. “For over a decade, we have been helping health plans ensure that patients get the most appropriate tests to meet their needs, and now, we are equipping those patients with transparent cost and quality information to help them make the best decisions about where to have those tests performed.”

Change Healthcare released its latest Healthcare Transparency Index showing where much of the nation's health care spending goes.

Chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer represent some of the most costly and preventable forms of illness plaguing our healthcare system, accounting for more than 75 percent of total costs. With health plans and self-insured employers now required by the Affordable Care Act to cover common, evidenced-based wellness screenings aimed at reducing chronic conditions -- without charging a deductible, copayment or co-insurance -- businesses in the U.S. will bear the brunt of these preventive care costs. Change Healthcare’s latest Healthcare Transparency Index examined the impact of these costs and revealed significant savings opportunities for both companies and consumers.

A full copy of the index can be found here.