Key Learnings: Training and Real-World Experience Drives Improvement in Physician-Patient Cost-of-Care Conversations

Many people are unaware that quality information currently exists to support their information needs and decision-making, and the use of price and quality websites and tools is low.

One way to expand this knowledge is to equip doctors and their staff members with the tools and skills needed to discuss prices with patients, or at least refer patients to reliable sources of price information.

With NYHealth support, Avalere Health provided guidance and technical assistance to the New York Academy of Family Physicians and the New York Chapter, American College of Physicians to help their members hold these conversations with their patients and connect them to resources.

This issue brief highlights the results, successes, and challenges of the project to improve cost-of-care conversations between providers and patients. It also incorporates everyday examples of how cost of care can be woven into physician-patient conversations and how it can improve dialogues.