such as having an MRI done or a liver transplant? im sure over time the price goes down for the hospital doing the procedure, but is it cheaper for the patient too? such as having an MRI done today compared to 10 years ago? is it cheaper for the patient now?
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It should be, because the government has a lot to do with cost of health care esp. Medicare and CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services). I am not sure how often, but periodically the government will do a "sweep" of the nation to see how much it costs for say a Cataract Surgery in LA, Atlanta and Minneapolis. Then, the average is taken and that is how they cut costs in some areas....reimbursements are lowered due to the fact that the cost of surgery has lowered overall in given areas....because basically the surgery is pretty much the same no matter what zip-code you are in.......thinking all things are equal. Now, skill etc comes into play as well and that is a subjective thing. Technology and how advanced it is and how easily it is to access has a lot to do with costs. A new advanced procedure may cost more for prostate surgery compared to what has been done for the last 50 years. A MRI for something basic is most likely less costly than years ago as it is now more accepted by the payers (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana etc) and more easily accessible. Also, competition for the MRI drive down costs....if you live in a bigger city and can choose from 10 places to have the procedure than you may be able to find a less expensive cost.
If you have insurance, most companies have a website to set up an account (I have Aetna) and I can look up most any procedure and find out what it will cost me in advance before I go. And yes, things at a surgery center compared to a hospital are often less pricey because it takes less staff etc.
If you are a Medicare recipient then go to www.medicare.gov and create a medicare account. You can search plans, Med D plans and learn all about your own health care. Be a consumer of your own health care.
If you have insurance, most companies have a website to set up an account (I have Aetna) and I can look up most any procedure and find out what it will cost me in advance before I go. And yes, things at a surgery center compared to a hospital are often less pricey because it takes less staff etc.
If you are a Medicare recipient then go to www.medicare.gov and create a medicare account. You can search plans, Med D plans and learn all about your own health care. Be a consumer of your own health care.
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They probably go up as the surgeons and technicians make more money.