> These prices are fairy tales. It's a figure next to no one will actually ever pay. Insurers pay less. If you ask for a discount you will pay less.
Columns H through AI represent the negotiated insurance rates or agreed schedules. AJ represents the lowest negotiated charge for that service across all providers.
Interesting reading, really. Aetna largely seems to pay retail, whereas others like Cigna and Emblem are getting "decent" discounts. Also provides a good basis for negotiation if you're a cash payer. "I can pay your minimum negotiated charge for this, or I can dispute it during collection"
But even still, these prices are ridiculous even after negotiation and are indicative of a broken system. For what it's worth, hospitals aren't charging these fees because they're profiting; many of them are struggling to stay in the black.
(I used to run appsec at a healthcare best practice and advisory firm. A lot of my background on this was absorbed through osmosis, though I can't say I'm an expert)
eganist|5 years ago
Columns H through AI represent the negotiated insurance rates or agreed schedules. AJ represents the lowest negotiated charge for that service across all providers.
Interesting reading, really. Aetna largely seems to pay retail, whereas others like Cigna and Emblem are getting "decent" discounts. Also provides a good basis for negotiation if you're a cash payer. "I can pay your minimum negotiated charge for this, or I can dispute it during collection"
But even still, these prices are ridiculous even after negotiation and are indicative of a broken system. For what it's worth, hospitals aren't charging these fees because they're profiting; many of them are struggling to stay in the black.
(I used to run appsec at a healthcare best practice and advisory firm. A lot of my background on this was absorbed through osmosis, though I can't say I'm an expert)
tssva|5 years ago