Medical Transparency allows a ‘price check’ on health services
contributor | Sep 01, 2009 | Comments 0
Wise consumers look at the price before buying a pair of shoes, a dinner entree or a new car. Merchants set the prices, which allows them to know they’ll receive the money listed on the price tag and be able to stay in business.
That’s not the case in the medical industry. A fee is initially set for services, but insurance companies negotiate price cuts and adjust claims with healthcare providers.
Often the patient and provider are unaware of pricing until they receive an explanation of benefits from their insurance company.
To add further complication, Medicare is another story. The government, with a laundry list of stipulations, sets what the healthcare provider receives in cost reimbursements. The medical provider is left out of the loop in negotiating reimbursement.
Most people agree changes need to be made in healthcare.
One step in this direction is for patients to know up front what the doctor is charging and receiving for tests and services.
“Our doctors and staff strongly believe patients need to be involved in medical choices that affect them — whether it’s their health or their pocketbook,” says Scott Barlow, Central Utah Clinic CEO. “We as a healthcare system want to help.”
That’s where the term “medical transparency” comes into play.
What is Medical Transparency?
Medical Transparency is a term used to describe information available to the public that shows data relating to costs, value and quality outcomes of medical services.
How Can Medical Transparency Benefit Me?
We live in an amazing time where medical testing provides insight into diagnosis and ultimately better treatment options. With medical transparency, a patient can examine fees beforehand and consult with his or her physician to determine what services are necessary and prudent in quality healthcare and what services are secondary.
“Medical transparency helps patients become active decision-makers with their physicians rather than passive consumers,” Scott says.
Where Can I Find a List of Medical Costs and Quality Outcomes?
Central Utah Clinic is taking a progressive step by posting a list of average costs and quality indicators by the end of 2009 at www.centralutahclinic.com.
English philosopher Sir Frances Bacon said, “Knowledge is power.”
The more knowledge patients have concerning medical care including costs and quality, the more power they have in making wise choices.
Filed Under: Health
