CMS has fined Crown Point, Ind.-based Pinnacle Hospital a second time for alleged price transparency violations.
The hospital, which has fewer than 30 beds, was issued its first fine Feb. 4. The $51,615 fine covered 155 days of noncompliance with federal price transparency rules.
CMS issued a second fine of $40,356 June 3, stating Pinnacle Hospital has remained out of compliance with federal rules, stating “specifically, no consumer-friendly list of standard charges was found.”
The second fine covers 118 days of noncompliance from Feb. 5 through June 3.
A message to Pinnacle Hospital was not immediately returned.
The Trump administration recently sent warning letters to 519 hospitals nationwide citing them for failing to provide transparent pricing information, the Associated Press reported June 9.
The AP exclusively received a list of hospitals that have either received warning letters or requests to submit plans to provide transparency pricing since April. A senior administration official who requested anonymity told the news outlet that President Donald Trump plans to ramp up price transparency enforcement and more hospitals are likely to receive letters for failure to comply.
Pinnacle Health was not on the list of hospitals that received warning letters.
Federal price transparency laws have been in effect for hospitals since Jan. 1, 2021. To date, 28 hospitals have been fined for violations.
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.