RadNet and WellMatch to Improve the Way Healthcare Consumers Shop for Imaging Services

LOS ANGELES, June 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RadNet, Inc. RDNT, a national leader in providing high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic imaging services through a network of owned and operated outpatient imaging centers, announced today that it has joined with WellMatch to collaborate and help launch a new online service for its imaging centers to offer promotions to patients and fill excess appointment times. Initially, WellMatch customers will receive the offers through the WellMatch transparency app when searching for diagnostic imaging services. The app enables consumers to shop for quality, cost effective medical services.

In today's market, healthcare costs can vary widely depending on where a patient receives care, and consumers may not know what they will pay out of pocket until after the bill arrives. Doctors and other healthcare providers usually cannot tell their patient how much a test or procedure will cost because the cost depends on the individual's insurance coverage and how much of their deductible has been met. WellMatch, a Healthagen business, launched a health care price transparency tool last year that helps its users select their provider and see an accurate estimate for how much their procedures will cost – in advance of scheduling an appointment.

Now, through WellMatch Offers, providers can offer promotions directly to consumers. The providers can also share useful information about the quality of their services. When paired with the WellMatch transparency service, customers have convenient access to appointments and expected costs to help them make the best choice possible about where they receive their care. WellMatch Offers may be especially useful with consumers in high-deductible health plans.

"WellMatch Offers advances our vision for creating a marketplace in healthcare. It is a natural extension of our price transparency business and one that we've seen implemented successfully in other consumer markets. We appreciate the expertise that RadNet has added to this effort and look forward to rapidly building our network of participating providers," says Chere Parton, president of WellMatch.

RadNet chose to work with WellMatch because both organizations are committed to helping people better understand their healthcare choices. Dr. Howard Berger, CEO of RadNet, said, "This service is just one of many ways that RadNet and our affiliated imaging centers strive to inform patients of our overall commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic imaging services. Creating more educated healthcare consumers will help to keep healthcare costs down, while ensuring access to high-quality care. Typically, high-quality freestanding imaging centers, like those operated by RadNet, provide care at a significantly lower cost than hospital owned imaging centers."

RadNet offers will initially be published to registered users of the WellMatch price transparency product and expanded throughout the year to include anyone near participating imaging centers.

About WellMatch

WellMatch, a Healthagen business, is evolving the way people select and shop for health care services. WellMatch delivers solutions that help consumers understand how to best use their health benefits and manage their health care spending. Visit WellMatchHealth.com to learn more.

About RadNet, Inc.

RadNet, Inc. is the leading national provider of freestanding, fixed-site diagnostic imaging services in the United States based on the number of locations and annual imaging revenue. RadNet has a network of 250 owned and/or operated outpatient imaging centers. RadNet's core markets include California, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Together with affiliated radiologists, and inclusive of full-time and per diem employees and technicians, RadNet has a total of approximately 6,300 employees. For more information, visit www.radnet.com.