Imaging costs can be far from transparent
It’s no secret pricing, especially in imaging, can vary greatly depending on location and procedures. But recent research presented at a May 15 meeting of the American College of Radiology examined difficulties faced by uninsured patients who want to get cost estimates of X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds.
HealthDay News reported inquiries to hospitals and imaging centers showed how difficult it can be for patients to get pricing information.
"Our study certainly contributes to the underlying hypothesis that pricing information within health care, specifically imaging in this case, may be difficult to obtain depending on the setting, and therefore comparison-shopping by patients is limited," said study co-author Mindy Licurse, MD, a diagnostic radiology resident with the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Across hospitals and imaging centers in three states, x-ray costs varied from a low of $41 to a high of $285. CT scan costs ranged from $437 to $2,239, while ultrasounds went from $150 to $592, the study revealed.
More information on the research can be found at the link below:
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.