Sidecar Health Enhances Member Experience with New Clinical Ratings Initiative

In an effort to further empower its members, Sidecar Health, a pioneer in consumer-driven health insurance, has unveiled a new feature that includes clinical quality scores as part of its member experience. This enhancement aligns with the company's commitment to providing critical information that aids in making informed healthcare decisions.

The inclusion of these clinical quality scores stems from collaboration with Global Appropriateness Measures (GAM), an organization led by physicians from the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. This partnership allows Sidecar Health to offer detailed assessments of healthcare providers, measuring quality not just by patient satisfaction but through clinical appropriateness and treatment effectiveness.

Empowering Consumers with Data

Traditionally, consumers have relied on star ratings or anonymous reviews when selecting healthcare providers, often leading them to believe that higher costs correlate with better quality care. However, Patrick Quigley, CEO and Co-Founder of Sidecar Health, emphasizes that this is a misconception. He asserts that real value comes not from price but from understanding the quality of care being provided. The integration of clinical ratings allows Sidecar Health members to see a 0.00 to 5.00 rating alongside each provider's profile within the Sidecar Health portal.

This feature complements existing tools that provide users with information about the costs associated with various treatments. By pairing clinical quality data with pricing and distance to providers, members are better equipped to make informed decisions that align with their health needs and financial considerations.

A New Standard for Quality Ratings

The GAM Care Quality Score approach distinguishes itself from traditional healthcare ratings by focusing on evidence-based practices. It combines insights from physician consensus and clinical literature, ensuring that the scores reflect whether the care being delivered is consistent with best practices in medicine.

Dr. Will Bruhn, CEO and Co-Founder of GAM, highlights that their mission as a physician-led consortium is to make objective quality data accessible to consumers, thereby simplifying the complex healthcare landscape. The new collaboration with Sidecar Health directly supports this mission, allowing members to access high-quality providers who not only deliver appropriate care but also do so at competitive prices.

Redefining Healthcare Experience

This innovation reinforces Sidecar Health's unique model within the healthcare industry, which prioritizes consumer education and autonomy. By allowing members to choose their care providers based on quality data, and providing a financial incentive to select cost-effective options, Sidecar Health aims to lower overall healthcare expenses while enhancing patient satisfaction.

Quigley further explains that their model stands apart because it mitigates the complexity and barriers typically associated with insurance. Sidecar Health enables its members to realize savings potential, keep half of the funds saved, and provides them with direct access to any provider without the hassle of prior authorizations or referrals. As a result, less than 1% of claims are denied, ensuring that patients remain the focal point of the healthcare system.

Looking to the Future

As Sidecar Health continues to innovate, it remains committed to offering transformative solutions for healthcare access, affordability, and transparency. With these new clinical ratings, members can navigate their healthcare choices more effectively, backed by solid data rather than speculation.

For more information on how Sidecar Health transforms healthcare access and member experience, visit their website at sidecarhealth.com and discover how they are reshaping the healthcare landscape for consumers around the nation.