Comparing hospital costs can take time
Getting data on hospital prices can take some work and tenacity. Before you begin the search, check to see if you can receive financial assistance. Every hospital in the state has charity care that provides reduced or free health care to those who qualify. You'll also want to check with the state for Basic Health, a state-sponsored program. After you know your financial options, you're ready to shop.
Check the Washington State Hospital Association's (WSHA) web site. It is a very good place to compare costs. But there's more that can help you along the way. First, get a procedure code from your doctor's office, it's known within the industry as a DRG code. Insurers and the federal government use the codes to get paid for services. Secondly, be patient. Some hospitals are not used to giving out this information, and it can take time, so be nice. Third, ask for a cash discount. Most hospitals and facilities will give discounts of up to 40 percent on costs if you pay cash within a certain time. Fourth, WSHA's web site has quality information on hospitals. It is very important to check that data. It has a myriad of information including hospital infection data. Finally, know that pricing is an imperfect science. You can come in with one problem and another could be found. So, treating that new ailment will add to your costs. If there are more ideas out there, please share them.
Comments from our readers
I appreciate that this article tries to offer advice to help people afford health care, but it is disappointing that a greater solution is not discussed.
Here's a new idea, lets have comprehensive reform that guarantees affordable quality coverage regardless of the facility, so that sick people don't have to shop for health care like it's a used car or something. Investigating complicated DRG codes, asking for cash discounts, being patient - are these really solutions for people who are sick and need hospital care?
I think it's high time we get beyond strategies to try to cope with a terribly flawed system, and start talking about real reform in our state, and in our country.
Posted by: oshilig | February 7, 2008 5:53 PM
I appreciate that this article tries to offer advice to help people afford health care, but it is disappointing that a greater solution is not discussed.
Here's a new idea, lets have comprehensive reform that guarantees affordable quality coverage regardless of the facility, so that sick people don't have to shop for health care like it's a used car or something. Investigating complicated DRG codes, asking for cash discounts, being patient - are these really solutions for people who are sick and need hospital care?
I think it's high time we get beyond strategies to try to cope with a terribly flawed system, and start talking about real reform in our state, and in our country.
Posted by: oshilig | February 7, 2008 5:53 PM