The original idea behind OutofPocket.com was to build a platform that would enable consumers to collaborate.  Consumers would use OutofPocket to post/share prices they paid for actual health care services.  This collaborative effort over time would result in a very powerful directory of true prices that consumers could use to find the best value and make the most of their health care dollars.

If enough consumers start shopping around for the best value (quality and price), providers would start competing for our attention and good things would result.  Competition and choice will:

·         Lower costs of health care services

·         Promote innovation

·         Expand choice

·         Increase access to medical care

·         Improve patient care

My challenge is getting people to participate in OutofPocket.com and start posting/sharing prices.   People respond to incentives.  Perhaps exposing health care prices and helping to create more competition and choice in the health care industry is not enough of an incentive.  If you give people more of a reason to do something, they will do more of it, and if you make it easier for people to do more of something they are already inclined to do, they will also do more of it.  Today health care costs are spiraling out of control; we have more than 47 million people that are uninsured and over 12 million people with consumer-driven health plans.  These combined 59 million Americans have every reason to make the most of their health care dollars and find the best value.   These people are financially rewarded if they make their health care dollars go further.  If I knew I could save myself $500 by shopping around for an affordable MRI in my neighborhood, I certainly would be financially motivated to take advantage of this savings.

If you know of one of these 59 million people – please let them know about OutofPocket.com.  Or even better, drop me a note info@outofpocket.com to let me know how I can help.   

Be Healthy,

Mona Lori