Recently, a new law came into effect that requires all hospitals to post their list prices. Given that this information has long been a carefully guarded secret, I was very intrigued at what I might find. So, I downloaded the Charge Description Master from every hospitals website and looked up the price of a Level 4 ER Visit (CPT code 99284). This is basically what you get charged for setting foot in the ER and does not include any additional fees for doctors or medical supplies. Note that if your insurance has the ER in its network, they will have a different (and secret) negotiated rate. But if you are out of network, uninsured, or underinsured, these are the actual prices you'll pay.
Without further ado, here are the prices!
A few notes and observations:
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Prices are missing for some Memorial Hermann facilities, including the main one in the Med Center. This is because Memorial Hermann has apparently decided the law doesn't apply to them and will not disclose their prices no matter what. This was the helpful non-response I got when I asked.
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Hospitals owned by HCA Healthcare are a rip off, particularly HCA West, which charges $2,732.00. Additionally, even if you have insurance and are in-network, Google reviews indicate that all HCA locations have out-of-network contractor doctors who can send you a surprise bill for much as they feel like charging. Unless it is a life or death emergency and the HCA hospital is the closest, I would avoid them.
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Houston Methodist has some of the highest list prices, but self-pay patients get a 50% discount, which puts them in the middle of the pack
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Harris Health has a well known reputation for very long wait times, but their prices are very reasonable. $355 for an ER visit is way less than everyone else and is only about 2x what an urgent care visit would cost
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MD Anderson has a national reputation as a top hospital, but their ER prices are the lowest of everyone except Harris Health. EDIT: Per a commenter, this ER is not open to the public. I will note that CHI St Lukes has comparable prices.
Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great day!
anybody knows why Star Citizen disappeared from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_expensive_video_games_to_develop ?
