Does anyone know of a Medical Price List in the USA?

Question

I've gone over my medical insurance plans a few times now (with every job I've taken), and I've always wondered how much are these medical expenses that they may be covering. It is so shrouded in mystery that I have no idea how much these services are-- I think we should make a website comparing prices like these. It is a private industry and should be more transparent. Does anyone know where we can find these prices?

Answer 1

You can find average information readily available in a variety of sources.  Many insurers have the average reimbursment for procedures or conditions on their websites.  Additionally, the information for what Medicare and Medicaid reimburses for procedures is readily available on the websites.

However, you're not going to find an exact "price list," because it doesn't exist.  (At least, not in the sense that you're looking for.)  Not all providers have the same reimbursement arrangements with the same insurance companies.  They negotiate contracts for services, and some providers might end up with a better deal than others.

I've worked in the contracting department for 3 different providers, and have seen literally thousands of contracts from thousands of insurance companies.  The contracts can vary widely from company to company and provider to provider.

Heck, I work for a large hospital system now, and not all of our hospitals get reimbursed the same amount for the same services.  One hospital gets more money because they tend to have a higher percentage of critical care patients, etc.

Even though you won't be able to find one single price list for an insurance company, you can still use the averages to get a ballpark estimate of what your service might cost.

Answer 2

Most insurance companies now how 'cost comparisons' on their web sites for frequently performed procedures.

Answer 3

Here's two websites relating to your question that should be of help.

http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/Hospi...

http://www.higginscompanies.com/2007medi...