HHS Releases Comparative Data, Funds to Improve Transparency in Hospital Pricing

Significant variation exists in what hospitals across the country charge for common inpatient services, according to data posted on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website as part of an initiative to help make the healthcare system more affordable and accountable. The data includes information comparing the charges for services that may be provided during the 100 most common Medicare inpatient stays. A May 8, 2013, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) press release notes that the amounts for some procedures can vary widely. For example, average inpatient charges for services related to a joint replacement range from a low of $5,300 at an Oklahoma hospital to a high of $223,000 at a hospital in California. Furthermore, large variances can also be found within smaller geographic areas, such as cities.