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.”

As part of a strategy to "unroll" programs in various U.S. regions, insurance firm Cigna has selected Franklin-based MedSolutions as its nationwide radiology benefits manager. The sizable contract — Cigna is one of the largest for-profit insurance companies in the country — extends the companies' 13-year relationship.

MedSolutions, led by CEO Curt Thorne, has been growing of late. The company secured a new $300 million investment at the end of 2010.