(Updated 2022) The community member shared about an MRI that cost $600 — with a note saying “Cash price was $600, or if I used my insurance, my co-pay was around $2000. I paid cash.” The provider was Bryan Radiology Associates in Bryan, Tex. We’re always interested when people tell us “no one shops for […]
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Facility fees: She saved more than $300, or how to argue a bill
(Updated 2022) Let’s talk about saving on facility fees. A comment came in on one of our “facility fee” posts, explaining this mysterious charge, imposed by hospitals on top of a bill for medical treatment if a patient visits one of their facilities: “As of today, Jan. 30, 2019, this is still happening at Tulane […]
Posted inCosts
How much does a breast biopsy cost, $1,000 or $2,342? She saved $1,842
(Updated 2022) A community member shared this regarding what a breast biopsy cost her: PROCEDURE: 77031 Stereotact guide for brst bx PRICES: CHARGED: 1000.0 INSURED: 500.0 PAID: 500.0 REPORT DATE: 2019-03-01 SHARE DATE: 2019-03-01 22:54:27 UTC HOSPITAL: Houston Medical Imaging INSURER: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas OTHER INSURER: An employer INPUT BY: xxxxx PHONE: […]
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How much does an ultrasound cost? She saved $75.
This share came in recently from an anonymous community member — for an ultrasound of the head and neck, medical billing code 76536, with a charge of $146.91 at Oaks Radiology in Phoenixville, Pa., The comment: “Paoli Hospital quoted about $1000 without insurance, 40% discount if you pay cash up front, $221.77 with [Independence Blue […]
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How much does a transvaginal ultrasound cost? She saved $155.01
How much does a transvaginal ultrasound cost? We heard from a community member who successfully contested a bill from Florida Radiology Imaging for $312.13. She saved $155.01 by arguing. It’s a good story of how a savvy person can make a clear point with an abundance of information. She sent in her prices with this […]
Posted inCosts, Patients, Providers
She saved $650 on an MRI by asking: How people shop for health care
A community member writes: “Just wanted to give you some information for this area: Zip code 36532, which is the Alabama eastern shore of Mobile Bay. “Two weeks ago I had an MRI of both hip joints without contrast. The local monopoly healthcare system (Infirmary) charges $2,400. for that test with cash payers being given […]
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How much does a CT scan cost — $340 or $1,800? She saved $1,460.
(Updated 2022) A friend writes: “I have had a pain in my lower abdomen since I felt like I tore a muscle after lifting heavy boxes. “I was referred to hernia doctors and other orthopedic surgeons who said I didn’t have a hernia. Nevertheless, the pain persisted. I finally found an expert in muscle tears […]
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She saved $3,786 on an MRI: How people use our data
(Updated March 2022) We received this email in connection with our Cracking the Code partnership in New Orleans: My doctor at Tulane University Medical Center had suggested an abdominal MRI as part of a portfolio of check-ups to better understand the possible trajectory of a hereditary condition that might affect me. I’m 27 years old, […]
Our New Orleans partnership
We’re changing the conversation about health care by using the tools of journalism to bring transparency to health care, and tell people what stuff costs. We launched our New Orleans PriceCheck partnership in April 2017, reporting on and crowdsourcing health prices with our award-winning journalist partners, investigative reporter and anchor Lee Zurik at WVUE FOX 8 […]
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Medicare drug plan increase: More $$ for Aetna
Medicare drug plan increases can happen to you. Drug insurance plans — and other plans — can change frequently. This is the season for renewal of many insurance plans, and so it’s a good time to remind you to look at your plan. I just got renewal materials for my Aetna Part D Medicare drug […]
