Top Medical Procedure Consumers Price Shop For Is A Colonoscopy, Study Finds
Mammograms and childbirth services are in second- and third-place, respectively. In other health cost news, another study finds that patients miss out on services and savings by not discussing the price of treatment options with their doctors.
WBUR:
Colonoscopies, Mammograms And Childbirth Are Americans’ Most-Shopped Health Services
The idea of comparing prices and quality when we are in the market for health care is pretty new territory in our country of avid shoppers. But more and more employers and insurers are giving patients tools that let them put in the name of a test or procedure and see who charges what. (Bebinger, 4/4)
Kaiser Health News:
By Not Discussing Cost Issues, Doctors, Patients May Miss Chances To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
Talking about money is never easy. But when doctors are reluctant to talk about medical costs, a patient’s health can be undermined. A study published in Monday’s Health Affairs explores the dynamics that can trigger that scenario. Patients are increasingly responsible for shouldering more of their own health costs. In theory, that’s supposed to make them sharper consumers and empower them to trim unnecessary health spending. But previous work has shown it often leads them to skimp on both valuable preventive care and superfluous services alike. (Luthra, 4/4)
