Aetna Goes Public With Health Care Price Tag

The new program will supplement tools such as the Hospital Comparison Tool and "Rate Your Medical Professional" survey on Doc.Find. "Now, we are complementing those efforts by taking the lead on opening what is often perceived as the 'black box' on physician-specific pricing."

Aetna believes that as more and more companies look to better manage their health care expenditures they will to see the final price before making any decision.

"Through this enhancement, Aetna members will see the actual discounted rates specific to their health plans for office visits, diagnostic tests and minor procedures," Williams said.

The published information will vary based upon the physician's specialty and will be expanded over time based on feedback.

A company news release said that because this level of detail was new to consumers, Aetna conducted focus groups with physicians and staff in the Cincinnati area and met separately with local and state physician societies.