Friday, July 16, 2004

Posting health care costs on the web

As health plans trend towards a deductible-type insurance, more patients will have to shoulder the cost. To that end, some health plans in Massachusetts are posting costs of various tests on the web.

Patients being more aware of the cost of care, and being able to talk about cost with doctors, is generally "a good thing and desirable," said James F.X. Kenealy, MD, an otolaryngologist in Framingham, Mass.

"We tend to assume price is no object, and that really is unsustainable," he said.
This is an idea long overdue. It's about time that patients take more responsibility for health care costs. Educating the public by giving them the numbers is the first step. I think it will also cut down on patients who come in and demand tests.

Have a headache and want a non-contrast CT scan? $248-$482.

How about that patient who demanded the transvaginal ultrasound for ovarian cancer screening. It's against every recommendation, but if you insist on one, it's $101-$135.

And finally, how about the patient with back pain who insists on a stat MRI? Guidelines recommend anti-inflammatories and physical therapy, but if you demand the MRI, it's $545-$678.

Health insurance will soon be like auto insurance. With costs spirling out of control, deductible plans will be increasing in popularity. That means patients having to know more about health care costs. Whether they want to or not.


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Comments:
I think your underestimating the costs of the imaging tests a little. In my area, MRI's run more than a thousand
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 4:19 PM
 
The figures are quoted from the Harvard Pilgrim website. (www.hphc.org).
# posted by Blogger Kevin : 5:03 PM
 
I would agree the suggested cost to be a little a on the low side. However, the point is valid; as consumers have access to cost, they will select the most cost effective option. Many times a referral is made to an imaging center either due to a financial interest in the facility or due to an employment relationship with the health system.

Allow the patient to consider cost prior to the scan and they will reward the most cost effective provider.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:39 PM
 
The costs of all the tests would cover it right there.
# posted by Anonymous weight : 11:54 PM
 
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