Louisiana launches health Web site

The state of Louisiana has launched a new Web site, www.healthfinderla.gov, in an effort to give residents easy access to detailed, accurate information on how to live more healthful lives. The site also provides information on the cost, quality, and performance of private and public health plans, prescription drugs, and healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.

"Louisiana Health Finder will help healthcare providers drive improvement in our system of care," said Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, adding that the state is only the fourth to have such a Web site.

The site also provides access to the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, the federal government's www.healthfinder.gov, and www.kidshealth.org, a site that provides information about prenatal to teen health, behavior, and development. In April, the state expects to add reports for home health and dialysis facilities on the site. An interactive map of all providers in the state will be added as well, allowing users to search by types of service, distance to their home, and directions. By the end of the year, DHH expects to include the cost of many treatments and procedures and an accurate statewide directory of practicing physicians.

In the future, the state expects the site to become an interactive information portal where consumers will be able to create their own scorecard based on the measures and metrics that matter most to them. Additionally, researchers will be able to run customized, Web-based reports to analyze results displayed on the pages.

"While this information will be good for consumers, it will also be a great tool to help providers of care align themselves toward improvement in outcomes," said Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine.