The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have established guidance for hospitals to make available a list of their standard charges online.
At Prosser Memorial Health, we know that healthcare can be an unexpected expense and that the cost of healthcare services can be a deciding factor for many people as they plan for care. Prosser Memorial Health supports healthcare pricing transparency and tools that help patients and consumers evaluate what care is best for them and any related financial costs.
Hospital charges can help patients understand what the costs might be for certain healthcare services; however, they don't provide a full picture of what patients will pay. Patients' financial liability will depend on the full course of treatment and on the type of insurance coverage they have.
We encourage all healthcare consumers to speak with their providers and their health plan to get a full picture of what they will pay. For our patients, we offer financial counseling for those experiencing hardship during any point throughout their care.
Price Transparency
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that all hospitals make public its standard charges in two ways.
Machine Readable File- A machine-readable digital file containing the following standard charges for all items and services provided by the hospital: gross charges, discounted cash prices, payer-specific negotiated charges, and de-identified minimum and maximum negotiated charges. See the links to our machine-readable file below in both .csv and .xlsx (more reader friendly) formats.
Prosser Memorial Hospital standard charges (.xlsx)
Prosser Memorial Hospital standard charges (.csv)
Consumer-friendly Display of Shoppable Services or Price Estimator Tool- A price estimator tool which allows consumers to obtain an estimate of the amount they will be obligated to pay the hospital for shoppable services. See the link to our price estimator tool below.
While we fully support efforts to improve pricing transparency, the file of standard charges is only a starting point in determining the costs associated with your health care. By itself, the file is not the most helpful tool for you to comparison-shop between hospitals or to estimate your financial obligation for the healthcare services you receive.
Your out-of-pocket cost for care is determined by:
- The agreed-upon rate that your insurance company pays the hospital for the services provided — which are generally less than the standard charges; and
- The copay, co-insurance or deductible required by your benefit plan.
Individuals without insurance receive a reduced price from the hospital and may also be eligible for financial assistance or charity care.