He noted that many health plans across the country use Ingenix data to determine usual and customary rates. Ingenix, in turn, receives its data from those insurers. He called that system a "closed loop" that left out consumers. UnitedHealth officials noted that Ingenix provides data for insurers but does not calculate reimbursement rates. They also said that information is just one tool insurers can use to calculate out-of-network reimbursement. Others include Medicare-based reimbursement rates. UnitedHealth regrets that conflicts of interest "were inherent" in the databases, said Mitch Zamoff, general counsel for its subsidiary UnitedHealthcare. He said the agreement will "finally and decisively" resolve questions about independence. The new database will include a Web site that allows consumers to learn in advance how much they may be reimbursed for common out-of-network services in their area.