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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 c

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.