Despite Transparency Law, California Hospitals Still Muddle Prices for Consumers

A 2006 California law requires hospitals to publish the average prices of their most common procedures on a state website, but healthcare experts say few list prices on their respective hospital websites — a loophole that is making price transparency difficult— according to a Los Angeles Times report.  

The report details one consumer's experience when he tried to get prices of blood tests from three different hospitals and lab companies. Unaware of the state pricing website, he spent more than 10 hours calling and faxing with providers, finally concluding that "it's more difficult to get a price on blood work than remodeling your kitchen," according to the report.

The Los Angeles Times contacted 10 hospitals in the state, asking for the cost of a routine gallbladder surgery. Seven hospitals offered partial estimates, although figures ranged greatly. One hospital didn't return calls, another said it needed 10 business days for an estimate and another required insurance information before holding price discussions.

Survey results have shown consumers are most likely to seek price information from the provider itself, but the California Hospital Association says consumers should work with their physicians and payors to estimate costs since each case is unique.

More Articles on Hospitals and Prices:

Website to Match Self-Insured Businesses With Healthcare Providers
Like Star Ratings, "Price Hierarchies" Help Physicians Understand Medical Costs
Cigna Website Will Show Prices of More Than 200 Hospital Procedures


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