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KC system offers online price list

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 21, 2005

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A hotline offering patients estimates of what their care will cost at a health system in Kansas City is putting a new twist on the recent push to make hospitals more transparent about what they charge.

Saint Luke's Health System, which operates nine hospitals, rolled out its Price Line service this year. Rates for all anticipated hospital services are quoted for managed care patients and the uninsured alike. Physician fees are not included.

Industry observers say the move is part of an overall trend among hospitals to help consumers be more informed about the price of the health care services they receive, particularly with health savings accounts, in which patients take a larger responsibility for their bills, on the rise.

The hotline, which is operated by the Saint Luke's account service unit, has logged about 500 calls since its debut in March.

Physician fees are not included because, the hospital said, it doesn't track that information.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/11/21/bibf1121.htm.

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