How much should a hip replacement cost? $11,100? $125,798?
The difference in figures may seem extreme, but those are just some of the actual quotes a woman received over the phone from more than 100 hospitals in every state last summer, half of which could not provide any sort of price estimate.
The continuous growth of American health care costs are part of an opaque medical system in which prices are often hidden from consumers. Even received quotes can largely underestimate the actual price of procedures because they do not include fees for outpatient rehabilitation or similar care costs.
"If one hospital can put in a hip for $12,000, then every hospital should be able to do it," said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog. "When there's 100 percent variation in sticker price, then there is no real price. It's about profit." Read the full details here:
Price for a New Hip? Many Hospitals Are Stumped
Increasing health care costs are too often blamed on medical malpractice, wrongful death or birth injury/birth trauma verdicts when, in fact, the industry itself is to blame for sky rocketing health costs.
If you have been injured due to medical malpractice please call to investigate your matter fully. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.