FROM THE FOUNDATION

The Social Life of Health Information

A new Pew Internet/CHCF national survey finds the Internet has joined doctors and family members as one of the top three ways people search for answer to their health care questions.

Evaluating One-e-App

CHCF and The California Endowment funded the development of One-e-App, a Web-based program that enables users to apply for multiple public insurance programs at once. Read a business case assessment by The Lewin Group.

Privacy, Security, and the Stimulus Bill

The recently enacted economic stimulus legislation includes a number of improvements to federal health privacy law. This brief looks at issues of privacy and security in the wake of ARRA.

Consumer Information

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Michigan Hospitals To Voluntarily Post Medical Prices Online

In January 2008 Michigan's not-for-profit hospitals will begin posting online the prices for at least 50 common medical procedures in response to consumers' and businesses' demands for more cost information, the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association, which represents the state's 146 not-for-profit hospitals, will host the voluntary hospital price database on its Web site.

David Seaman, executive vice president of the association, said the database will begin with at least 50 tests, operations and procedures that comprise as much as 80% of hospitals' business. The association also must decide which prices and charges to list, the Free Press reports.

Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Mich., currently is the only hospital system in the state that posts prices. Other states, such as Wisconsin, have passed laws requiring hospitals to disclose prices (Anstett, Detroit Free Press, 8/16).



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