Coalition agenda at a glance

Here is a list of the items on the agenda of the Coalition for Affordable Quality Healthcare — along with the status on similar actions already taking place in the marketplace.

• Direct access to OB/GYNs. Thirty-six states already mandate this, covering two-thirds of all women.

• Use prudent lay person standard for emergency departments. Already required in 38 states.

• Independent external review. Required in 35 states, and increasingly popular among plans.

• One credentialing application for doctors. Many states are looking at this, but no national system is in place.

• Web site to search for doctors. Currently done only by a few plans.

• Standard benefit grid to compare plans. In development at some HMOs.

• Allow on-line interactions with insurer. Currently rare.

• Database of health plan formularies. Not presently available.

• Develop best practices with physicians. Little success.

Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, Menlo Park, CA; National Conference of State Legislatures, Denver.