Indy Standard

State Reps. Cindy Ledbetter and Shane Lindauer are urging Hoosiers to utilize a new state website designed to compare health care prices and quality.

In 2020, Indiana lawmakers passed legislation establishing the Indiana All Payer Claims Database (APCD), which is managed by the Indiana Department of Insurance. The database aims to enhance transparency in health care costs by collecting insurance claims data from both public and private health care payers. This data helps track the cost, utilization, and quality of health care services across the state.

"As a medical professional, I know the importance of having quality and affordable health care options," Ledbetter said. "This new dashboard allows Hoosiers to compare medical providers and their ratings, and determine potential expenses."

Lindauer explained that the APCD enables users to search for what other patients have paid for common procedures across different regions, providers, and insurance plans. The database also includes information on health care providers within certain distances from a specified zip code, average out-of-pocket costs for services, and quality ratings for facilities. For instance, individuals needing a knee replacement can use the database to select their insurance plan, procedure, and zip code to view nearby providers that offer the service along with quality ratings and average out-of-pocket costs.

"This database not only provides insightful information for Hoosiers but also allows health care facilities to see reviews on the quality of their care," Lindauer said. "Shopping for health care services and providers can be complicated, and it's my hope this website can make that process much easier."

Lindauer added that the goals of the database include informing residents seeking medical care, identifying state health care needs, supporting health care policy development, and improving both the quality and affordability of health care in Indiana.

The information collected by the APCD adheres to security standards outlined in federal laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act). Onpoint Health Data administers the Indiana APCD and is certified by HITRUST, an industry standard in health data security that incorporates both federal and state security requirements.

Hoosiers interested in comparing health care prices and quality can visit apcd.idoi.in.gov. Questions or suggestions regarding current or future reports can be submitted via email at apcd@idoi.in.gov.

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