Recently a Becker Hospital Review article http://www.beckershospitalreview.com *noted: “A recent study published by the National Institute for Health Care Reform has found hospital outpatient prices for many services were dramatically higher than prices charged by independent physicians and ambulatory clinics.”
“The study made the following findings. The average price for an MRI of a knee was about $900 in hospital outpatient departments compared to about $600 in physician offices or freestanding imaging centers, referred to as community settings. A basic colonoscopy cost on average $1,383 in hospital outpatient departments compared to $625 in community settings. For a comprehensive metabolic panel — a common blood test — the average price in hospital outpatient departments was $37, which was triple the price of community settings.”
“ Hospitals cite their higher overhead costs and additional regulatory requirements, such as the obligation to screen and stabilize all patients, as justifications for their higher prices, according to the study.”
* to read the full BHR article “Hospital Outpatient Prices Much Higher Than Independent Physicians’ For Identical Services” by Ayla Ellison, highlight and click on open hyperlink http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/hospital-outpatient-prices-much-higher-than-independent-physicians-for-identical-services.html
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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.
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