First steps towards price transparency: comparability of online out-of-pocket tools from Australian private health funds.

ConclusionsThese funds have started to address the need for transparent out-of-pocket cost information, but the differences across these pages demonstrate complexities and the potential obfuscation of cost data.What is known about the topic?Out-of-pocket costs are highly variable and patient 'bill shock' is an increasing concern in Australia. Private insurance funds have created online tools to share procedure cost estimates based on their claims data.What does this paper add?This is the first review of Australian insurance funds' price transparency tools. The cost information is difficult to interpret both within funds (for members) and across funds (for the system).What are the implications for practitioners?Policy makers will need to consider the complexities and presentation options for cost estimates within the health system if they move ahead with a public price transparency tool. There is still a requirement for cost information that can facilitate price shopping across providers and funders. PMID: 31715123 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research