The Becker Hospital Review article reported “A hospital in New Hampshire is garnering some attention after it advertised its colonoscopies for a flat rate in the Sunday newspaper.”
“Elliot Hospital in Manchester, N.H., is using CareBundles to set all-inclusive fees for colonoscopies, hernia repair ($4,995) and knee arthroscopy ($5,995), according to a New Hampshire Public Radio report. Only the uninsured can get these set-price procedures for now, although the hospital is hoping to launch relationships with employers.”
“Many hospitals are pursing or offering care bundles, but the Elliot is a pioneer with print ads in newspapers touting a specific price for healthcare services. To many patients, this is relatively unheard of, as questions to their providers about price can often go unanswered.”
“New Hampshire has pursued more visible healthcare prices for a few years now. The state’s insurance department launched a website in 2007 that lists median bundled prices — both facility and physician payments — for about 30 common, mostly outpatient, services. The site has received little marketing, and an analysis later found modest consumer use of the site and meager affect on consumers’ price-shopping habits.”
Click here to read the full Becker Hospital Review article “Hospital Runs Ad for $1,995 Colonoscopies in Sunday Newspaper” by Molly Gamble.
****
Doctor, Did You Wash Your Hands? ™ provides information to consumers on understanding, managing and navigating health care options.
Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.
This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.