For many of us, the most unbearable part of going to the doctor is when the series of “post-visit” EOBs, bills, statements and paperwork start to arrive in the mail. Wouldn’t it be nice to know your out-of-pocket costs BEFORE you visit a health care provider?
In order for consumers to make informed choices, we need tools that provide accurate price and quality information. Unfortunately, our current health care system lacks transparency and waiting around for health insurers or health care providers to solve this problem could take a long time. In the meantime, we are starting to see some new tools that consumers can use to look-up price estimates for health care services and get an idea of a fair price for service. The tools are not perfect, but it’s better than not knowing at all how much things cost. In fact, whether you are insured or uninsured, it would be helpful to know up front what your out-of-pocket expenses will be --- before you visit the doctor!
So the next time you need to have an MRI, x-ray, mammogram, CT scan, colonoscopy, dental exam, eye exam, lab test or office visit, ---be sure to take a few minutes to visit some of these free websites so you have a better idea of fair prices for specific services. You might even be able to use this information to negotiate a discount with your health care provider.
Tools to look-up prices for health care services
Healthcare Blue Book
Leslie’s List
MainStreetMedica
NewChoice Health
OutofPocket
Spectrum Health
USA HealthCare Costs
Vimo
An article in CNNMoney, Biggest Medical Mystery: The Bill, discusses obstacles and price transparency.
