For the analysis, researchers examined anonymous data estimates from thousands of U.S. providers, including hospitals and healthcare clinics.
The analysis found patients’ average out-of-pocket costs rose to $1,813 in the fourth quarter of 2017, up 11 percent from $1,630 in the same period the year prior. The analysis also broke down the amount of patient out-of-pocket costs. TransUnion Healthcare said researchers found on average, nearly half of patient out-of-pocket costs per healthcare visit (49 percent) were lower than $500 in 2017. Thirty-nine percent were $501 to $1,000; and 12 percent exceeded $1,000.
Additionally, the analysis examined patient out-of-pocket cost estimates by medical specialty. TransUnion Healthcare said orthopedics ($1,663) and plastic surgery ($1,566) were among the specialties with the highest out-of-pocket cost estimates. Other specialties with the highest estimates included: urology ($1,415) and neurology ($1,241).
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