PRIVATE health fund nib has launched a controversial website that allows patients to rate the cost and service levels of health practitioners.
The searchable Whitecoat website is open to all Australians and lists 30,000 "extras" providers such as optometrists, dentists and chiropractors.
"Whitecoat represents a new way of connecting consumers and providers," says the fund's Rhod McKensey.
It is particularly useful for people who have moved to a new area or need a treatment for the first time.
The 13,000 comments featured so far have been collected from clients over the past 12 months and are 90 per cent positive, he says.
The fund says it has consulted widely to overcome issues and providers will be able to opt out of the ratings and comments.
But some health organisations are concerned the ratings system will be unfair and that the site breaks advertising guidelines.
The Australian Dental Association has advised members not to participate at all.
"We can't see the benefit," says vice president Dr Carmelo Bonanno.
Cost comparisons are difficult because treatments might appear the same but might involve different materials and different degrees of difficulty, he says.
"We also have concerns about breaching advertising guidelines for dentists."
The Dietitians Association of Australia is advising its members to opt out of the rating and comments section.
"A directory showing people what's available in their area is fantastic," says spokesperson Kate Di Prima, and accredited practising dietician.
But she is concerned the ratings system will reflect the subjective view of a single person and there are too many variables for valid price comparisons.
"A consumer-driven health profession that embraces choices is the future," says Chiropractors' Association of Australia CEO Andrew McNamara.
He is concerned, however, that the site complies with health profession guidelines.
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