A consumer survey made by Patients’ Rights Advocate (PatientRightsAdvocate.org) indicated that 30% of individuals surveyed had already shopped for primary care services they needed in the past two years, while 25% shopped for lab work. More interestingly, the same survey indicated that more than 80% of individuals agreed with the Price Transparency rule requirements and objectives, and they expressed their interest in using transparency tools for shopping healthcare services.
As new information is released and new pricing data are revealed, consumers will be entering a new ecosystem when it comes to their own healthcare data, where interoperability and price transparency will allow them to receive personalized care and corresponding to their budgets.
There are some specific cases where price transparency will perform a big influence:
- Insurance type: To uninsured individuals or to those with an insurance plan purchased directly from a health insurer company.
- Medical services: services most likely to shop are major or minor surgeries, primary care services, lab work.
- Shopping method: customer service call center is an option, but most likely individuals will use online tools provided by providers and insurers.
- Consumer group: individuals between 20-35 years old. Individuals without emergency or chronic conditions.
Consumers have an important responsibility to achieve and accelerate the proposed goals of the new regulations and knowing how to take advantage of the new rules will impact directly on their health and finances.
Stay tuned for the next few posts where we will offer recommendations to consumers on how to use price transparency and no surprise bill.
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