A new study published in the June issue of Health Affairs has found that the 50 hospitals in the United States with the highest markup of prices are charging patients, on average, more than 10 times that allowed by Medicare. And Typical U.S. hospital charges are around 3.4 times the Medicare-allowed costs. This is especially problematic for the healthcare industry where consumers have little opportunity to comparison shop and little choice in how much they spend on their care.
Patients with health insurance do not typically pay the full price. That is, unless their plans’ deductibles are so high that they are left with the burden of covering the costs. Still, the uninsured – and those receiving out-of-network care, workers’ compensation, or car insurance benefits – are the most vulnerable population of patients.
Without state or federal legislation setting a maximum allowable markup, hospitals are not likely to set their charges in line with Medicare-allowed costs. But this is no reason to avoid vital medical procedures. As a portable cardiovascular imaging, ultrasound, and x-Ray company, we are able to provide affordable diagnostic services all while utilizing state-of-the-art digital imaging technology and employing licensed and highly experienced technicians and board-certified radiologists. Because we specialize in diagnostics, our attention to detail is arguably higher than that of a hospital that is running large-scale operations. When it comes to overpricing, hospitals charge these rates simply because they can – not necessarily because they are offering better quality care.
Due to lower overhead costs, companies like K & T Diagnostic, Inc. and K & T Portable X-Ray Solutions are able to offer competitive pricing. Whether patients are insured or uninsured, it is nearly four times more affordable for them to pay out-of-pocket for their tests than incur hospital charges.
In addition to the cost benefits, there is also the convenience factor. Scheduling is fast and easy, appointments take place at times and locations that accommodate patients’ schedules, and same-day results are available.
Based in Los Angeles, we provide our services to the Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada areas.
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