Most consumers don't make decisions about healthcare -- such as where to get a mammogram, colonoscopy or annual physical -- by comparing prices or looking at doctor reviews, because the information isn't easily available. Castlight Health, a San Francisco-based startup, allows patients to plug in their zip code, the service or procedure they need, and see a list of area doctors, as well as well as a breakdown of what they charge for their services.
"Most of us go to the doctor and have no idea what we are paying for or when we will have to pay for it, until we get the bill six months later," says cofounder Giovanni Colella, a psychiatrist and serial entrepreneur. "If you have a $5,000 deductible, you should go to the doctor that will give you the highest quality at the lowest price." Castlight doesn't make it services available directly to consumers. Instead, it sells to insurers and employers, who in turn offer Castlight to their plan participants. The service is available through 15 employers nationwide right now, with hundreds more in the pipeline.
Investors are enthusiastic about Castlight's vision: The company has 115 employees and has raised $81 million.
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