"Imaging has become one type of procedure that's commoditized," said Amico. "There might be a free-standing facility across the street from a hospital offering the same services, but one might be three times the cost of the other. HealthCost offers a solution for consumers to understand this in advance. For providers, HealthCost offers the ability to set their own network rates, then explain any cost disparity in terms of specific equipment they use or their individual expertise. We want to strengthen healthcare's ability to operate in the free market. Clear and explicit communication from our healthcare providers should be the first step."

A benefit to patients and providers
HealthCost offers benefits for both the patient and the provider. Consumers benefit from the ability to search for, compare and choose the physician and location they prefer. Providers now have the ability to reach patients they could never reach before — those who pay out of pocket — no matter how, or if, they are insured. Access to the HealthCost.com network is open to all, allowing any consumer to shop and compare healthcare costs and any provider to register, control their own pricing and reach new patients.
Where does HealthCost get its pricing data?
HealthCost quality and pricing information is sourced from publicly available information that originates directly from the government, specifically from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the entity that sets reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals. While this data is available to the general public, it is healthcare big data, which is not easily accessible or understood. HealthCost has tackled the big data challenge and solved it with a user-friendly, free-market solution, available to anyone with Internet access or a smartphone.


About HealthCost:
HealthCost is the only network offering an open marketplace, through https://www.HealthCost.com, for setting, comparing and locking in healthcare costs. Like other transparent, open markets, consumers and providers (as buyers and sellers) now mutually drive costs and demand. HealthCost providers have the freedom to set their own HealthCost network rates and reach new consumers, no matter how, or if, they are insured. HealthCost consumers have the freedom to comparison shop and lock in rates with any provider they choose.

SOURCE HealthCost

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