3 ms·

>why the hell can I not know how much stuff costs up front Prices should be publicized, I agree, but you can ask to get something pre-authorized. It just takes

>why the hell can I not know how much stuff costs up front Prices should be publicized, I agree, but you can ask to get something pre-authorized. It just takes longer. >why can I not tell them no I dont an unnecessary x-ray You can ask your doctor why you need an x-ray, why they deem it necessary, and refuse if you like >and why am I not told cost owed by me until after the procedure only to find out it's just an absurd amount of money Again, you can ask for pre-auth.

ridewinter 7y ago
This doesn't seem to be something that's common knowledge. Can you point to information on how to use private health insurance like this?
- EpicEng 7y ago
  You just ask the front desk to pre-authorize the prescribed treatment. They work with the insurance carrier and let you know what your cost will be.
roland35 7y ago
Pre-authorization sounds good, but unfortunately a lot of the time it isn't possible. For example, when I was in the ER they gave me a few choices on how they could do stiches on a big cut... But there is definitely no way I could compare the costs! I just ended up paying a $500 bill a few months later.
- EpicEng 7y ago
  Yes, emergency situations are different. Not much of a chance to wait and shop around.
- refurb 7y ago
  Lack of pricing information is ridiculous in the US. You can’t base a system on the “free market” then prevent consumers from having pricing information. It certainly wouldn’t fix everything in the US, but it would be a huge help. To be honest, I’m not sure why hospitals in the US haven’t taken the lead on this. If I had a choice between two hospital of similar quality, but one provided price transparency and maybe even a price guarantee (your procedure will cost $X, guaranteed), I would certainly go to that hospital.

3 ms·

>why the hell can I not know how much stuff costs up front Prices should be publicized, I agree, but you can ask to get something pre-authorized. It just takes

by EpicEng 7y ago

ridewinter 7y ago
This doesn't seem to be something that's common knowledge. Can you point to information on how to use private health insurance like this?
- EpicEng 7y ago
  You just ask the front desk to pre-authorize the prescribed treatment. They work with the insurance carrier and let you know what your cost will be.
roland35 7y ago
Pre-authorization sounds good, but unfortunately a lot of the time it isn't possible. For example, when I was in the ER they gave me a few choices on how they could do stiches on a big cut... But there is definitely no way I could compare the costs! I just ended up paying a $500 bill a few months later.
- EpicEng 7y ago
  Yes, emergency situations are different. Not much of a chance to wait and shop around.
- refurb 7y ago
  Lack of pricing information is ridiculous in the US. You can’t base a system on the “free market” then prevent consumers from having pricing information. It certainly wouldn’t fix everything in the US, but it would be a huge help. To be honest, I’m not sure why hospitals in the US haven’t taken the lead on this. If I had a choice between two hospital of similar quality, but one provided price transparency and maybe even a price guarantee (your procedure will cost $X, guaranteed), I would certainly go to that hospital.