Several years ago I decided to switch to a high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP) for myself and my family.  I pay 100% of my own health insurance premiums and one of the factors that influenced my decision to switch was how expensive my insurance premiums were getting even though I basically made no insurance claims over the past five years, other than annual check-ups.  After my accountant suggested I look into high-deductible plans, I calculated that I could save $7000 in premiums every year and use my HSA to help pay for my medical expenses.  With my HDHP I have become a cost-conscious consumer of health care services, and I shop around for the best value, just like I would shop around for a car or electronics.  The only problem is there are no Consumer Reports for health care where I can easily find the best value for health care services.  I have no meaningful tools to help me make informed choices about where to find the best value for routine health care services like MRIs, X-rays, vaccinations, mammograms, and office visits.  How do I avoid the overpriced providers with poor performance ratings?  Now that I pay out of pocket for these services (up to $5000), how do shop for value?  How do I find out what other patients think of a physician that is listed in my plans network?

-- posted by Moni Lori