As more costs are being passed on to the consumer, it has become even more important for consumers to understand and compare prices of health care services before receiving treatment.  Here is some advice that can save you real money.

Negotiate

Dr. Kathryn Stewart, Medical Director of Care Management at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, believes patients should be more proactive about seeking the best prices for services.  In fact, Dr. Stewart suggests patients negotiate a payment arrangement with the provider before they have the service performed.  Dr. Stewart advises, “Patients can always negotiate the price before or after the service is received.  Don't just accept at face value to pay what the provider is charging.  Most hospitals would be glad to give a deep discount (up to 50% or more) if patients pay at the time of service. The discount is less if patients drag payments out over a long period.   Keep in mind that charges and payments have almost no relationship to each other and charges are a pie in the sky number that no one pays except for the self-pay patient, and that is only if they are not smart enough to negotiate a lower payment for themselves. Most important - after you have received the service you are not in a good negotiating position.  However, before you receive the service, you are in a better position to negotiate the price.”

Ask for the Medicare Rate

If you are uninsured, you really need to negotiate a better price.  Ask the provider what Medicare would reimburse them for this procedure.  Start with this price and see where you end up. 

Good luck.