Catholic Health Initiatives in Denver is partnering with Centura Health to test hospital software that will allow patients to see what their out-of-pocket charges will be before they register to become patients, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
The system analyzes copayments, deductibles, coverage and the 10% to 20% of hospital costs that the patient is charged. The software, developed by Financial Healthcare Systems, estimates the cost for patients based on specific procedures and the patient's insurance.
The estimator tool in one year will be online for patients looking to receive care at any of CHI's 70 hospitals in 20 states, including Colorado.
One dozen CHI employees worked with focus groups to simplify the medical terminology on the Web sites to ensure that prospective patients knew what an MRI was, not just the cost of one, the News reports.
Pete Savini, vice president of patient financial services at CHI, said the online estimator tool should help the hospital reach its goal of finding ways for patients to pay their charges within 30, 60 or 90 days after receiving treatment.
However, some insurers are worried that making too much proprietary information public will hurt their business, Steve Summer, president of the Colorado Hospital Association, said (Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News, 7/5).