-- Delegate Peace measure calls for health care provider data transparency to be readily available to consumers--
--Making better informed health care decisions can reduce costs--
Central Virginia- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) announces passage of House Bill 710 by a vote of 97- 0. This health care transparency act aims to foster competition among health care providers and increase consumer choice with regard to their health services.
Speaking about the bill Delegate Peace stated, "By ranking health care providers and making this important consumer information available to the public, patients can make an informed health care decision based upon a provider's record of treatment outcomes. Improving patient care could result in reduced healthcare costs."
The bill specifically requires the Department of Health to take steps to increase public awareness of the data and valuable information available from Virginia Health Information (VHI), a nonprofit organization charged with compiling, storing, analyzing, and evaluating data submitted by health care providers. VHI has developed a system of ranking or grading health care providers and making such rankings available to the public. Consumers can use the data and information when making decisions about health care providers and services.
The Department will prominently display a link to the VHI website at http://www.vhi.org/, information about accessing and searching data available through the nonprofit organization's website, and information about how consumers can use data available through the nonprofit organization's website to evaluate and make decisions about health care providers and services on the Department's website.
Virginia Health Information began its efforts in 1993 with passage of the Patient Level Database System Act. Virginia Health Information is the organization recognized as the source for health data reporting in Virginia. VHI is a one-stop shop for information on: Assisted Living Facilities; Continuing Care Retirement Communities; HMOs; Home Care Providers; Hospitals; Nursing Facilities; Physicians; And other providers.
VHI works with private organizations and public bodies to use health data to meet the varied needs of the citizens of the Commonwealth. Whether it is private programs to recognize and reward hospitals improving patient safety or helping senior citizens find needed care, VHI is working with groups to cost-effectively use health data to improve care and save lives. Delegate Peace recommends contacting VHI for more information toll free 1-877-VHI-INFO (844-4636) or at their website http://www.vhi.org/.
Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his third term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The District includes parts of Hanover, Caroline, King William, King and Queen, Henrico, Spotsylvania Counties and all of New Kent County.
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