Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Form S-8 registration statement of our report, dated February 15, 2001, included in the Private Business, Inc. Form S-4/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 18, 2001, for the year ended December 31, 2000 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP -------------------------------------- Nashville, Tennessee October 26, 2001 E-4