Consumers are paying more for the healthcare, and they will continue to seek the lowest cost, high quality option. St. George (Utah) Surgical Center tells patients how much a procedure will cost them before the procedure, which may be a trend that takes hold during healthcare's shift toward value, according to KSL.com.
Here are five thoughts:
1. St. George Surgical Center started posting its prices online in 2014.
2. The prices that the surgery center posts are only applicable if consumers pay cash upfront.
3. However, the surgery center notes those prices are often much less than the standard cost. One patient told KSL.com, "When I found out about St. George Surgical Center, where it is one stop surgery, they have complete facilities up there, and it is cash and it is a fraction of the cost."
4. Because the ASC receives cash directly from patients, they do not need to bill insurance or patients who may not follow through with payments.
5. Through its price transparency initiative, the surgery center hopes to provide care for both medical tourists and people seeking affordable care.