[February 12, 2013]

Healthcare Blue Book Research Supports JAMA Study on Huge Pricing Variations Among Providers

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) just released a hip replacement price transparency study comparing pricing information on hip replacement surgery for cash-pay patients. Results are similar to Healthcare Blue Book research for consumers and employers on inpatient and outpatient surgeries, diagnostic tests and imaging studies, such as MRI and CT scans. Research by JAMA and the Healthcare Blue Book both conclude that:

• Pricing information for all patients is difficult to obtain.
• Variations among quoted prices were up to ten times different among various facilities.
• Hospitals in particular, lack pricing transparency.

The JAMA study results are consistent with similar results published by Healthcare Blue Book, which evaluated a cash-paying patient's ability to obtain pricing information for an arthroscopic knee surgery.

The Healthcare Blue Book research compared access to price information and the range of prices at both hospital based outpatient facilities and independent Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). The research showed that hospitals are far less likely to provide patients with price information than ASCs, nd that the difference in price can be as much as ten-fold. Click here to review the Healthcare Blue Book study.

Healthcare Blue Book research conducted for employer clients shows that in-network negotiated "allowed amounts" that insured patients pay to providers can vary by as much as 500% or more.

"Healthcare Blue Book helps our employer clients understand the range of prices in their market through online and mobile tools," says Dr. Jeff Rice, CEO of Healthcare Blue Book. "Consumers can save over 50% on their care, equaling hundreds and even thousands of dollars of savings- without any difference in quality."

To download the Healthcare Blue Book pricing application go to: iPhone or Android

About Healthcare Blue Book

Healthcarebluebook.com, headquartered in Nashville, TN, is a leading provider of healthcare price transparency tools to employers, TPAs, health plans and provider organizations. Healthcare Blue Book tools help employers and employees save money by enabling consumers to understand local healthcare prices, compare providers on price and quality, and shop for care anywhere in the United States. To learn more, please visit our web site at http://www.healthcarebluebook.com or call (615) 422-5213.

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