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For decades, hospitals hid their prices, allowing them to overcharge patients and give doctors and suppliers the kickbacks they needed to fund their extravagant lifestyles. That is now changing.
Trump, being a smart businessman, knows that price transparency creates competition and brings prices down. Prices may fall so much that libs might not even whine when silly Obamacare is phased out.
Hospitals in the US are known for charging exorbitant fees for simple procedures, and for adding baffling entries to discharge bills. Notorious examples include the woman who was charged $40 to hold her newborn, and the $18,000 emergency-room bill that a family received after their baby was “treated” with some milk and a nap.
The surprise factor, at least, may soon be changing. On Jan. 1, a new regulation takes effect requiring hospitals to post the prices of their services online.
41 states already report on charges/ payments. I believe California has been doing so the longest, since 2011. Hospitals that participate in Medicare/ Medicaid have been required to do so for the most common procedures.
Last edited by middle-aged mom; 01-01-2019 at 08:19 AM..
While this may sound like a good idea, go look at your favorite hospital's price list and get back to us if you have learned anything worthwhile from a consumer choice perspective. One would have to know every code (in advance) that might apply to a visit and then what level of discount would apply for their insurance and/or self pay.
It's technically a good thing -- kudos to Trump on this -- but we need much more aggressive policy if we want to see real changes to the average patient.
The fact that Trump (i.e. federal government) had to step in to force hospitals to be more transparent pretty much proves that the private system as it is, is not as self-maintaining as libertarian-types would like to admit. There needs to be some government regulation put in place to keep these businesses (what they really are) in check.
There are thousands of Revenue Codes within a hospital’s Chargemaster.
Hospital Charemasters typically do not include charges for MDs and other medical professionals or those services contracted to third parties.
Some healthcare systems require all third parties to belong to common networks while others do not. When the third party provider is out of network, the insurer’s reimbursement will be less and the patient becomes responsible for balance billing.
An MD with privledges at a given hospital is the only party authorized to schedule surgery and/ or admit a patient. Hospitals are not going to respond to questions from the general public.
For decades, hospitals hid their prices, allowing them to overcharge patients and give doctors and suppliers the kickbacks they needed to fund their extravagant lifestyles. That is now changing.
Trump, being a smart businessman, knows that price transparency creates competition and brings prices down. Prices may fall so much that libs might not even whine when silly Obamacare is phased out.
You could always call your hospital for prices on most outpatient testing and procedures. Also many uncomplicated surgeries. But in an emergency you go to the closest ER. Period!
Even with postings of more prices, the consumer will have little new knowledge. These prices are not always the same as what insurers pay in your stead. And they don't reflect direct negotiation, which most everyone can do with hospital bills.
There are thousands of Revenue Codes within a hospital’s Chargemaster.
Hospital Charemasters typically do not include charges for MDs and other medical professionals or those services contracted to third parties.
Some healthcare systems require all third parties to belong to common networks while others do not. When the third party provider is out of network, the insurer’s reimbursement will be less and the patient becomes responsible for balance billing.
An MD with privledges at a given hospital is the only party authorized to schedule surgery and/ or admit a patient. Hospitals are not going to respond to questions from the general public.
Out of network charges can be a hassle for patients and also for providers. AZ now has some relief.
It's technically a good thing -- kudos to Trump on this -- but we need much more aggressive policy if we want to see real changes to the average patient.
The fact that Trump (i.e. federal government) had to step in to force hospitals to be more transparent pretty much proves that the private system as it is, is not as self-maintaining as libertarian-types would like to admit. There needs to be some government regulation put in place to keep these businesses (what they really are) in check.
41 states already do this. California’s has been doing this since 2011. Federal Law often mirrors state laws once a majority of states enact laws. Heck, a majority of states had some semblance of Old Age Income benefits before the Federal Government made it a Federal Law.
Hospitals that accept Medicare/ Medicaid have been required to do this, for years.
The state could require all Healthcare Systems that contract with out of network third party providers to disclose this upfront.
As you know, Xrays, MRIs, Ultrasounds, Cancer Treatment, ERs, Anaesthesiologist, Lab Work, ambulance, and more may be outsourced to varying degrees by healthcare systems.
There are some healthcare systems in my neck of the woods that require all third party providers to be in the same networks as the hospital.
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