Our three week review of health care price transparency takes a genealogical twist today.

Policy wonks postulate the key to controlling rising health care costs is the ability of consumers to ‘shop’ for care. Thus, in Tips 540 and 541, we reviewed multiple sources of pricing information, noting some have been around for years. (Still waiting for results!)

Consider however, the design of a typical employer sponsored health plan. With maybe a $1,500 deductible and 80/20% coinsurance, Joe Lunchbucket’s maximum exposure might be $5,000. Then, it’s pretty much an “open bar” for most episodes of care.

In such case, maybe Joe would be way more interested in the quality of care than cost.

No surprise. ‘Waldo’s’ family tree includes an inseparable twin sister ‘Wanda!’

So where does one go for health care quality information?

Let’s start with Medicare.

I took a ‘test drive’ HERE. The hospital closest to my house has a five star rating, while others nearby – and even within the same System – got just four stars.

Interesting but is this star rating enough to make (literally) life or death decisions?

More to follow in Where’s ‘Wanda’ Part II.

Some Tips readers can help with this.

Hint. Hint.

“Slava Ukraini!”