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).