- A new report found that hospital consolidation leads to larger premiums and out-of-pocket spending for consumers. The report from Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms specifically notes that as hospitals acquire ambulatory care centers, consumers are more likely to be forced to pay outpatient fees for routine care that is traditionally covered by physician offices at lower costs. While hospitals argue these costs are essential to daily overhead operation for regulatory compliance, staffing, liability coverage, security, and supplies, payer representatives said there is not enough transparency around how fees are calculated and that it is difficult to see when care occurred. (Article here)
July 31, 2023
Providers | Tea Leaves