Medica creates mobile app for comparing healthcare costs

Medica, Minnetonka, Minn., has launched a mobile application to help consumers compare cost information for a variety of medical procedures. The app, based on the site MainStreetMedica.com, is available for free at the iPhone App Store.

According to an analysis published by Manhattan Research in February, more than 10 million U.S. adults use mobile devices for health information. Many of those mobile browsers are using Apple’s iPhone. According to an AdMob Mobile Metrics report released in March, the iPhone accounts for half of all mobile Web traffic from smartphones in the U.S.

MainStreetMedica.com was launched several years ago to provide consumers with access to comparative pricing information about physicians and facilities. The site allows users to compare costs on common procedures at hundreds of clinics and facilities. The prices on the site are based on the health plan’s in-network contract rates with providers in its Medica Choice network.

Both the Main Street Medica mobile app and the Web site are available to all consumers, not just Medica members.

"With the launch of this mobile app, we are answering the call to make that information available to people when and where they want it.” says Rob Longendyke, Medica senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications.

Some users of the app apparently agree in online reviews.