In the news

Pricing Variations In Healthcare Services
Massachusetts report shows sharp differences in pricing variations between hospitals more...

Masslive

Excessive Charges Result in Claims Litigation
Ultrasound at $59,490 Spurs Aetna Outrage in Suit Naming Doctors more...

Bloomberg

What Do Hospitals Really Charge?
Are hospital helping or confusing consumers by posting their prices online? more...

CBS MoneyWatch

Biggest medical mystery: The bill
With more consumers paying out of pocket for their health care needs, experts say more...

CNN Money

Putting the Patient in Control
Employing Technology Solutions to Empower Patients full report...

Center for Health Transformation

The Cost Conundrum
What a Texas town can teach us about health care more...

The New Yorker

New York AG Cuomo's Allegations of Flawed UCR Rates Could Lead to Rate Setting Rules A six-month investigation into rate setting practices of health plans uncovered "a scheme to defraud consumers" more...

Reprinted from Health Plan Week

From around the industry

Reports on transparency

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  Equalizing Health Provider Rates - All Payer Rate Setting
  All payer rate setting is one cost containment strategy under consideration by the National Conference of State Legislators in an attempt to help normalize the huge variations in provider pricing. These price variations are especially evident in hospital charges where the average markup over cost is 187% and can go as high as 400% or more in some markets. Current evidence is unclear whether state rate setting can actually curb the overall growth in provider costs however there is some indication that it could slow price increases. This report attempts to spotlight the benefits and challenges of a state all payer rate setting strategy along with some examples past state programs.

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  All Payer Claim Databases: State Initiatives to Improve Healthcare Transparency
  This study commissioned by The Commonwealth Fund provides insight on All Payer Claims Databases (APCD) and the role they play in supporting healthcare transparency. Access to timely information helps policy makers and consumers make smarter healthcare choices. Unfortunately there is a huge void when searching for comparable and transparent information about the cost and quality of healthcare services. APCD could provide a critical missing link to a host of important measures including cost, quality, access and utilization statistics.