The difference in what people pay for medical procedures was highlighted Tuesday by a new report from the Oregon Health Authority.
Last year, the state Legislature told hospitals they had to report median payments from commercial insurers for dozens of common procedures, like gall bladder removals and MRI scans.
There were huge variations in price. For example, at Asante Rogue Valley Medical Center the average heart valve surgery costs about $18,000, while at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Corvallis it was $86,000.
Philip Schmidt, with the Oregon Association of Hospital And Health Systems, said the Oregon Health Authority report is good for health care customers in the state.
“This is going to help patients understand a little bit more about this area of health care that, you know, Americans agree could be improved through transparency,” Schmidt said.
Prices can vary for many reasons: from the general health of patients within a hospitals’ geographic area to the rates negotiated by insurers.
Copyright 2016 Oregon Public Broadcasting
