HCCI researchers studied Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health’s newly published negotiated rate information. The system has published rate information that spans all of its 24 hospitals in Northern California.
Three things to know:
1. At Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center-Van Ness in San Francisco, commercial insurance rates for a C-section delivery can vary by $52,688, depending on plan type.
2. HCCI found rate variation was more dramatic across hospitals within the Sutter system. Rates for some four-view knee X-rays at one hospital were more than 11 times as much as at others, and rates for some major lower joint replacements were nearly $60,000 more than others.
3. HCCI researchers said: “While it is unclear if the disclosure of these prices will influence any patients to change where they seek care, that employers can now see the various price levels across different health insurers might prompt more ‘smart shopping’ for their employees’ health insurance plan. This could, in turn, put more pressure on insurers to compete for customers through better negotiated rates.”
Read the full report here.
More articles on healthcare finance:
Los Angeles hospital closing after 74 years
‘A gut punch’: Florida hospitals slam $500M in proposed Medicaid cuts
Mayo Clinic raises $500M as it looks to growth
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.