I’ve repeatedly called out hospitals as one of the biggest drivers of skyrocketing healthcare costs in the United States. But there’s an important tool for keeping those costs in check that I haven’t talked about enough: comparison shopping.
If you need a non-emergency procedure, surgery, or medical test, shopping around can save you hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars.
By law, hospitals are required to file their pricing lists with the federal government. But to put it nicely, most hospitals are extremely reluctant to share those prices directly with consumers.
Uncovering Hidden Hospital Pricing
Fortunately, a non-profit organization has stepped up to help level the playing field. They have compiled a database where you, as a consumer, can see the price lists that hospitals try so hard to keep hidden.
When you look at these disclosures, you’ll notice a stark difference in how hospitals handle the law:
Unclear data: Some hospitals post lists that are completely unusable for a layperson, deliberately trying to hide their true costs.
Transparent pricing: Other hospitals have complied with both the spirit and the letter of the law, making it clear what a specific procedure will actually cost you.
Non-compliance: A small minority of hospitals have defied federal law by refusing to file their prices, though this is fortunately relatively rare.
How To Shop and Compare Hospital Costs
Before you schedule your next elective procedure, take a few minutes to check the numbers yourself.
Go to hospitalpricingfiles.org.
Select your state on the interactive map.
Search and compare the cost of procedures across various hospitals in your local area.
Having access to this information gives you power as a healthcare consumer. Before you commit to a major medical cost, do your homework and compare your options first.
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