Other Helpful Listings

20 Most Expensive Conditions Requiring Hospital Stay, 2006 (pdf)

Heart disease (patients often received PTCA or CABG procedures), childbirth, heart attack (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), sepsis, osteoarthritis, pneumonia, complication of a device, implant or graft, and respiratory failure were the top 10 of a list of 20 health conditions that cost the nation the most in hospital charges in 2006 - to the tune of 52% of the total national hospital bill. Bills to private insurance included back pain and complications of surgical procedures or medical care in their top 10; Medicare had Stroke and cardiac dysrhythmias in their top ten; Medicaid included schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorders; and the uninsured included skin infections, major injuries and fractures, & diabetes hospitalization. 12-page Statistical Brief #59 by AHRQ uses 2006 HCUP data; released September 2008

AMA: 266 Clinical Performance Measures for Physicians, 2009 (pdf)  

The American Medical Association's Consortium for Performance Improvement has agreed on 266 measures in 42 clinical topics, that are supported by evidenced-based clinical guidelines. Topics include diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart care, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, pneumonia, emergency care, prenatal testing, cancer screening, smoking, prostate cancer care, ear and eye problems, depression, surgical infection prevention, GERD, end-stage renal disease, chronic kidney disease, substance abuse, wound care and more. Written for medical professionals, but consumers might learn something about appropriate physician care

Ambulatory Surgery Average Charges in U.S. Hospitals, 2003  

Find average prices (mean charge) for more than 100 outpatient ambulatory surgery procedures done in hospitals in 2003. Surgeries grouped by body system (e.g. eye, ear, cardiovascular/ heart, digestive, musculoskeletal/ bones, etc.) Average cataract & lens price was $3900; tonsillectomy was $3800; knee cartilage $6200; hernia repair $5800; outpatient gallbladder removal $8100; lumpectomy $4900; ear tube surgery (myringotomy) $2800; D&C $5000; arthroscopy $7000. Consumers will need to adjust the 2003 prices to get close to 2009 costs. From the HCUP Fact Book No. 9 from AHRQ, published January 2007

Arkansas Average Inpatient Charges - Top 30 hospital stays (pdf)

Average charges (prices) per patient for the Top 30 hospitalizations (DRGs) in AR, such as newborn and maternity delivery, psychoses, rehabilitation, heart failure, pneumonia, COPD, digestive disorders, hip or knee replacement, chest pain, cardiac cath, diabetes, asthsma, stroke, hysterectomy (DRG 743), septicemia, Kidney failure, UTI, cellulitis and more. Overall, prices were $12,126 per case ($2737 per day) in 2007. For reference, a normal delivery for mother & baby cost $7873 (add $6466 for C-Section without complications); a 12.5-day rehabilitation stay cost $21,628; hip or knee replacement averaged $33,090 ($9166 per day); drug-eluting stent DRG 247 was $18,158 per day for $37,043 per case on average. Huge file; slow download. Summer 2009 report (page 22) by the Arkansas Hospital Association shows 2007 prices. Consumers may expect higher prices in 2009

Arkansas Hospital Volumes, Prices, Quality Ratings - by name of hospital

Find average charges (a proxy for average costs) for 40 common hospitalizations at specific AR hospitals by Clicking on INPATIENT PRICING after you've selected your hospital. Price List varies by hospital, but may include maternity and childbirth, stroke, chest pain, stomach disorders, back pain, nutritional problems (diabetes), blood infection (septicemia), rehabilitation, heart attack, cardiac cath, drug coated stent, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, urinary infection, COPD, pneumonia, total hip or knee replacement surgery, hysterectomy, psychiatric care, ventilator support and more. Note: Definitions conflict for whether data such as Volumes are Medicare-only, or reflect all patients. To find quality scores on heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia or surgical infections, and patient opinions, click on QUALITY at each hospital's page. Hospital Consumer Assist is provided by the Arkansas Hospital Association. Prices from 2007; Quality and Patient Satisfaction scores are more current, using 2009 ratings

Average Medicare Payments for Hospital Outpatient Services

Average 2007 Medicare costs for outpatient procedures commonly performed in hospitals, listed by county and state, as well as US overall average Medicare payment. Check file of 61 Procedures that include scope of colon (colonoscopy), or shoulder, upper stomach-intestine scope, bladder exam, scope removal of tumors, stents; removal of damaged skin; rotator cuff repair; breast biopsy, prostate needle biopsy, other biopsy with scope procedures; cataract removal & lens insert, and post-cataract laser surgery; hemodialysis access; injection of lower back; breaking up kidney stones, wrist fracture surgery, hernia repair, nerve block injections and more. File of 20 procedures has x-ray, cardiac cath, scans, carpal tunnel, gall bladder, hernia repair. Preventive services file has vaccines and immunizations. Three files could contain any procedure. Shows volume and Medicare payment, but not original charges. Knowing the CPT code might help you find the right procedure. Not at all user-friendly, Excel format, but covers every state. Oct. 2008

California - Average Costs for Inpatient Surgery, 2007

Compare median charges (price) among Calif. hospitals for 28 common elective inpatient surgeries such as assisted childbirth delivery, c-section, gastric bypass, gall bladder removal (open or laparoscopy), inpatient hernia repair, hysterectomy, mastectomy, hip or knee replacement, disc removal, prostatectomy TURP, heart valve, PTCA angioplasty, heart bypass CABG, endarterectomy, bladder tumor TURB, repair stress incontinence and kidney removal. Shows number of surgeries and average length of stay. All hospitals except Kaiser; website by CA state Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, (OSHPD.ca.gov). Easy to use, but would have been nice to have current prices instead of two years old. Published May 2009

California - Average Inpatient and Outpatient Hospital Prices, 2008(pdf)

Find average hospital prices for California's inpatient cases and top 25 types of outpatient procedures or surgery by CPT code) for each hospital. Outpatient reports may show prices for Emergency Dept. visit. Very difficult for the average consumer to use, since files are in Excel file format. But the good news is that the prices are current to June, 2008.

California Hospital Quality: Survival Rates and Mortality Ratings 2007 (pdf)  

Find risk-adjusted mortality (death) rates for each CA hospital, and the number of inpatient cases in 2007. Calif. statewide mortality rate for hip fracture was 2.4%, PTCA (angioplasty) 1.3%, stroke 10.4%, GI hemorrhage (bleed) 2.1%, craniotomy 6.7%, esophageal resection 6.5%, pancreatic resection 4.5% and carotid endarterectomy was 0.4%. Report by Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (oshpd) shows whether hospitals were similar to state average, or significantly better or significantly worse survival rates; 28 pages, pub. Jan. 2009

Colorado 2008 Hospital Charges & Length of Stay (pdf)

Find 2008 average charges (prices), a likely range of costs, number of patients and average length of stay by CO hospital name, for 35 common inpatient medical conditions and surgical procedures. Shown by region, e.g. Denver area. At the end of each category (APR-DRG), statewide total averages are shown. You may read the pages free on online, but to be able to print any page, you may have to purchase the $250 report (322 pages). Published by the Colorado Hospital Association Aug. 2009

Colorado Hospital & Ambulatory Surgery Infection Rates 2010 (pdf)

CO Dept. of Public Health (CDPHE) reports patient infections acquired in hospitals (from Aug. 2007 to July 2009) and ambulatory surgery centers (7 mo. 2009). Nearly all medical facilities performed well this year compared to national average, on surgical site infections for heart bypass, hip replacement, knee replacement surgery, inpatient & outpatient hernia repair, catheter associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in adult or neonatal ICU, critical care units & long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs). A few (such as Exempla St Joseph Denver) were often superior, and a few were statistically worse. Hospital list starts on page 25 (of 109) in 2010 Annual Report, pub. Jan. 2010

Colorado Hospital Quality Ratings, Report Card

Colorado Hospital Association website shows hospital-specific data on mortality (survival rates) and volume. Mortality Measures show survival rate information for heart care (heart failure, PTCA angioplasty, heart attack AMI, or cardiac bypass CABG), pneumonia, stroke, neck artery surgery (CEA) hip replacement, hip fracture, bleeding stomach (GI), or craniotomy. Compare CO hospitals on Patient Safety bedsores (pressure sores/ decubitus ulcer), post-surgical blood clots (DVT, PE), and sepsis (bloodstream infections). Volumes for four procedures (cardiac bypass, PTCA, carotid endarterectomy, and AAA [abdominal aortic aneurysm]) where quality has been associated with higher volumes also shown, although the desired volume levels are not given. Risk-adjusted 2007 data, all patients

CPT and ICD-9 CM Codes for Outpatient Surgical Procedures (pdf)

Five-page document showing procedure codes for outpatient colonoscopy, laparoscopy & laparoscopic surgery including hysteroscopy and cholycystectomy (gallbladder removal), breast biopsy & surgery such as reconstruction, hernia repair, liposuction, facial surgery such as blepharoplasty, and knee arthroscopy. Geared to people with coding or clinical knowledge. Prepared by Virginia Health Information (vhi.org)

Florida - Average Charges for Inpatient Hospital Stays (Top 10 DRGs) (pdf)

Average charges (price) & Length of Stay for top 10 types of hospital stays, such as childbirth (vaginal delivery without complicating diagnoses was over $9400 plus normal newborn charges of about $2600) and Cesarean section; psychoses; chest pain, cardiac cath ($34k); joint replacement (e.g. hip and knee) surgery [average over $53,000], gastroenteritis & digestive disorders; cellulitis. While the top 10 averaged over $15,000 per case, the average charge when all of Florida's 2.6 million cases were examined was $34,000. Report by the FL Hospital Association; find 2008 data on page 3. Updated May 2009

Florida Inpatient Hospital Ratings, Average Charges, Survival Rates, Readmissions  

Search feature, mortality (survival rates), complication rates, volume, and average charges (price range), 2007-2008 data. (We couldn't find the readmission rates.) All age groups (not just Medicare), extensive set of health conditions/diseases, and the ability to rank order by top hospitals at the head of the list. Click on the hospital name to see actual risk-adjusted mortality rates for heart attack, stroke, heart failure (CHF), GI hemorrhage, hip fracture, hip replacement, pneumonia, AAA repair, heart bypass, craniotomy, surgery to remove the pancreas, or esophageal resection. Compare hospitals on infections, iatrogenic pneumothorax, and post-op sepsis. Hysterectomy listed under Women's Health instead of Surgery. FloridaHealthFinder.gov

Florida Outpatient Surgery Prices & Visit Volume (2007 data)

Compare hospitals and ambulatory surgery volumes and range of charges (average cost is not shown) for common adult and pediatirc outpatient surgery procedures, by hospital or surgical center name. Includes arthroscopy, cataracts, laser eye procedures, cardiac catheterization, pacemaker, upper GI & lower GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, hernia repair, hysteroscopy, tonsil removal, lithotripsy, skin biopsy, bunion removal, pediatric circumcision and more. You might be surprised to find outpatient hernia repair prices ranged from $5880 to over $13,000 (ages 18 to 64, Level 1); Level 2 went to $16,507. FloridaHealthFinder.gov 2007 data

Georgia Hospital Price Check - Compare costs by name of hospital

Georgia Hospital Association shows GA hospital comparisons on Price (the closest available to average cost). Common hospital stays and surgery prices are listed similar to other pricepoint systems. An overall Quality Index is also provided for each hospital to help consumers make a value choice. Average charges from 2007

Health Topic Summaries: Cancer, Bypass, Hip, Knee, Pediatrics, COPD, more

A series of short summaries on common disease topics and health issues, made available by MHA, an association of Montana Health Care Providers from the COMPdata Monthly Monitors. Topics as of Nov 2007 included Cancer (general, prostate, breast, lung), heart bypass, and PCI, Pediatric care, Alzheimer's, Behavioral (mental) health, End of Life Care, Kidney Disease, Obesity, Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery, COPD, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Influenza, Traumatic Brain Injury, Asthma, Stroke and Diabetes. Summaries provide health information, and statistics about health care system utilization for that disease. Most use 2004 data, some have 2005 data. Consumers need not be from Montana to learn a lot about these health topics

Hospital Comparison Tool - Hospital Ratings & Cost Rankings (all states)  

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of New Mexico makes this Hospital Comparison Tool from HealthShare (WebMD) available to compare hospital care ANYWHERE in the country, mostly using Medicare data. No registration required. Gives results according to the importance you give to survival, complication rates, costs, volume and length of stay. Provides rankings, and crosses state lines when doing the search. Considerable detail on different types of complications if you keep delving deeper. Disease categories include Cancer, GI (e.g., appendectomy, colon or bowel surgery, gall bladder, hernia repair, gastric bypass), gynecology (e.g. hysterectomy), stroke (under head & neck), heart (e.g. attack, failure, angioplasty, cardiac bypass, catheterization, defibrillator, pacemaker, valve), lungs (e.g. pneumonia, COPD), medical, mother & baby (maternity, delivery for selected states only), orthopedic (e.g. hip or knee replacement), pediatric, prostatectomy, plastic/cosmetic surgery and heart, kidney, lung or liver transplants. Caution: it always assumes higher volume is preferred, which may not be valid. Patient satisfaction scores from the federal HospitalCompare tool shown, without disclosing dates.

Hospital Ratings at HealthGrades (all states) 2010  

Hospital Ratings (5-star, 3-star, 1-star) for about 30 diseases & inpatient procedures: Stroke, back surgery, COPD, diabetes, gall bladder surgery (cholecystectomy), bowel obstruction, GI Bleed, hip fracture repair, total hip replacement, knee replacement, prostatectomy, respiratory failure, pneumonia, cardiac bypass, heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty/ stent, valve replacement, sepsis, pancreatitis, peripheral vascular bypass & more. Free information on survival rates or complication rates if you click on the GOLD CROSS at the left. Medicare-only data for most conditions, although some states provide maternity, appendectomy, and bariatric surgery (gastric bypass) data. More extensive list than the federal government's site. Free hospital ratings are easy to use and cover all states. BEWARE, the site will try to sell you other services ($17.95+) that you may not need if use the free listings at consumerhealthratings.com. Publicly-traded company. Most 2010 ratings use data from 2006 to 2008; some data may be older. To see all hospitals in a state, do NOT select city. AOL users should use another browser. Updated October 2009

Illinois Hospital and Ambulatory Surgery Center Ratings and Prices (IDPH)

Compare IL hospitals on heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical infection prevention, knee arthroscopy, cardiac surgery, safety measures, infection rates, some survival information, patient satisfaction, more. See volume and 2008 median charges (closest you'll get to average cost) for selected types of inpatients (e.g. birth, c-section, appendectomy, COPD), and outpatients at ambulatory surgery centers (such as bunionectomy, hernia repair, colonoscopy, lens, lumpectomy, tonsillectomy). May get a full report for one hospital at a time (does not print correctly), or one measure at a time for multiple hospitals side-by-side, with state averages. Uses the dreaded pull-down menu, old 2008 prices and scores (Hospital Compare will have more recent information for some items); Infection rates use 2009 data. Hospital Report Card by IL Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) for all IL cities incl. Chicago area, Peoria, Rockford, Springfield, Champaign. New Nov. 2009

Iowa Hospital PricePoint System - Inpatient Charges

Iowa Hospital PricePoint provides information about volumes and average 2008 charges (amount billed) at IA hospitals. Select one hospital to begin. Site allows 4 hospitals to be compared at one time (although we couldn't make this work) for charges, length of stay, number of cases and more. Provided by the Iowa Hospital Association, this is a starting point for comparing average cost of care between Iowa hospitals. Compare typical prices for surgery such as gall bladder removal, bowel surgery, knee joint replacement; childbirth and newborns, pneumonia, stroke, heart care, transplants, COPD, psych, rehab, and most medical conditions. Severity of illness can be specified. Consumers will need to inflate old prices to estimate current charges

Iowa Hospital Quality, Safety and Satisfaction Ratings 2008 (pdf)  

Compare Iowa hospitals on survival rates (mortality info) for heart bypass, PTCA angioplasty, carotid endarterectomy angioplasty (CEA), pneumonia, hip replacement surgery and more. Use the safety ratings on bedsores, surgical postop complications, infections, birth trauma, deaths in patients who were unlikely to die during hospitalization, and others to screen for potential hospital issues. Compare heart attack and heart failure care, pneumonia care and surgical infection prevention rates; compare patient satisfaction (p. 137 of 164 pages). IA rates are compared with risk-adjusted national averages and in some cases, with the top 10% in the US. 2008 Iowa Report by the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative (based in Des Moines, IA) uses 2007 data; side-by-side quality comparisons start on page 19

Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care - Certified Hospitals

List of Primary Stroke Centers, Stroke Rehab, and other disease-specific care certified organizations in the US. Most are hospitals. Other certified programs include orthopedic joint replacement (hip, knee), COPD (most listed under A for Advanced COPD), sickle cell services, burn center, bariatric surgery, high-risk OB; bone marrow, heart, liver transplants; cancer (including breast, lung, pancreatic, prostate); diabetes; AAA, Alzheimer's, sleep program, wound care, spine treatment program, migraines, Parkinsons disease, ESRD, palliative care, epilepsy, congestive heart failure, heart failure, AMI, pneumonia and more. June 2009 list is nearly 80 pages, and very hard to use because health condition certifications are listed under multiple titles

Louisiana Hospital Ratings and Prices - LA Hospital Inform

Search by Parish. Must click on View Reports on the left side of page to see hospital-specific selected inpatient charges (e.g. child birth, C-section, hip or knee surgery, gall bladder removal, appendectomy, heart problems, stent, cardiac cath, stomach problems, stroke, kidney failure, COPD, pneumonia, more); outpatient Medicare prices include ER visits, heart tests such as cardiac cath, EKG, stress test, echo; CT scan, MRI, x-ray and ultrasound, GI endoscopy, mammography, more; Quality and patient satisfaction scores (2007-2008) similar to what is submitted to HospitalCompare. Louisiana Hospital Inform is sponsored by the Louisiana Hospital Association; 2006 and 2007 price data

Maine - Average Inpatient Charge for Common Hospital Stays (2006)

Average inpatient hospital costs (charges) in Maine in 2006 averaged $4701 for Childbirth delivery plus $1641 for the newborn. Add $5238 for an uncomplicated C-Section. COPD, pneumonia and heart failure cases ran $11,000-12,000 per case. Typical charges for hip or knee joint replacement were $27,543 and hysterectomy (DRG 359) was $10,618. Find average prices here for GI disorders, chest pain, psychoses, alcohol/ drug rehab, chest pain, stroke (DRG 14) and septicemia. From the State of Maine. Physician fees not included. No updates for 2009

Maine - Outpatient Surgery & Procedures Prices, 2007

The most common type of colonoscopy in Maine (2007 prices for CPT code 45378) cost $1176. Unclear what the total charges would be, with both facility and physician fees. Cataract prices averaged $2264; most common Upper GI endoscopy was $1134 (CPT 43235). Knee arthroscopy average cost was $2409; Laparoscopic gall bladder removal was $3531 in 2007; Hernia repair was $3102; Hysteroscopy cost $2452; Carpal tunnel release was $1952; Ear tubes were $1185. Additional procedure prices (average cost) listed by CPT code are at this site by HealthWeb of Maine. Consumers must inquire as to what both facility charges and doctors' professional fees would be for 2009 and 2010

Maine Charges for Surgery, x-ray, imaging tests (MHDO)

Maine Health Data Organization's HealthCost website shows average charges (prices) and actual average payments for surgery such as knee arthroscopy, tonsillectomy, gall bladder removal, hernia repair, breast biopsy, carpal tunnel, kidney stones, total hip replacement; tests such as colonoscopy, mammogram, x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound. Good news is that both physician and hospital charges are shown to give you an idea of total cost (and discounts); CPT codes also shown. Bad news: prices date from 2005-2007, or nearly 3 years old. From maine.gov

Maryland Hospital Pricing Guide, May 2009 (pdf)

Average charges (prices) and volumes statewide and by MD hospital name for 15 most common inpatient diagnoses (severity adjusted using APR-DRGs) - including newborns (avg. $1621), childbirth vaginal delivery ($5263), c-section (avg. $7393), heart failure, chest pain, angina, cardiac arrhythmia, percutaneous cardiovascular procedures (PTCA), pneumonia, COPD ($7434), septicemia, cellulitis, knee joint replacement (up 10% to avg. $21,565), bipolar admissions ($7761 state avg.) and urinary tract infections. Data from 2007 - 2008. Not included: costs for cancer, stroke, hysterectomy, rehabilitation, digestive problems. By MD Health Care Commission MHCC May 2009

Maryland Hospital Quality Ratings (MHCC)

Readmission Rates, volume, and average length of stay data on the most common groups of illnesses or conditions for which people are hospitalized in Maryland. Topics include heart conditions, lung conditions (including pneumonia, COPD, bronchitis, asthma), hip and knee surgery, GI and digestive problems, septicemia, stroke and TIA, kidney failure, bowel procedures, diabetes, maternity and newborn care, seizures & headaches, and more. MD Hospital Performance Evaluation Guide shows 2006 or 2008 data, pub. by MD Health Care Commission

Massachusetts Hospital Quality, Cost, Surgeon Volume Information (mass.gov)

Massachusetts Health and Human Services department reports quality ratings, cost comparisons, volume and in some cases inpatient survival rates (mortality indicators). Nearly 50 conditions and procedures covered, including inpatient gall bladder removal surgery, hip fracture, hip and knee replacement, stroke, GI hemorrhage, heart attack, heart failure, CABG, PCI, Pneumonia, Obstetrics and Maternity care, including cesarean section and VBAC, prostatectomy, gastric bypass and other digestive procedures, AAA repair and carotid endarterectomy. In some cases, individual surgeons are named (e.g. physicians who did at least 40 radical prostatectomy operations in a year, or how many knee replacements by orthopedic surgeons) Uses FY2005 volumes and FY2004 cost data. Site is relatively user-friendly, but is becoming outdated. Information varies by procedure. Read closely to see if it's Medicare-only or all types of patients

Massachusetts Surgeon Volumes by Procedure (mass.gov)

Massachusetts Health and Human Services office shows how many times a physician has done a specific surgical procedure for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, open or laparoscopic gastric bypass, lap banding, carotid endarterectomy, isolated CABG, PCI angioplasty, total hip or knee replacement or revision (e.g. number of operations done by each MA orthopedic surgeon), esophagectomy, pancreatectomy, prostatectomy (e.g. doctors who did at least 40 radical prostatectomy operations in a year.) Volume numbers are rather old, FY 2005 (as of mid-2009). Shows hospital affiliation

Medicare (Inpatient) Prices for 31 Common Hospitalizations - June 2007

Find out the average charge (price) and the average Medicare payment (the closest consumers will get to cost) and volume information by county or state for 31 inpatient DRGs such as heart valve, major large or small bowel or stomach operations, inpatient hernia operations, gall bladder removal (open or laparoscopy), hip or knee replacement, bone biopsy, inpatient shoulder joint surgery, kidney and bladder operations for cancer, other kidney or bladder operations, prostatectomy, hysterectomy, back spinal fusion, cervical spinal fusion, insert heart defibrillator. Fiscal year 2006 data. The large gaps between charges and payments may shock you, and lead to a number of questions about cost-shifting, true costs, and realistic charges. Must be able to use Excel spreadsheets. This is part of the government's work to become consumer-friendly for healthcare. It covers all 50 states, but not all counties, and may be the only place you can find this information. Average consumers may have difficulty with navigating the very large, cumbersome files. We had hoped by now, the reporting would show improvements in consumer-friendliness. No such luck; prices for 2008 and 2009 not available as of May 2009.

Medicare Ambulatory Outpatient Surgery Average Cost (2008)

Find out the average prices (charges) to Medicare patients in your state and county, and how much Medicare actually pays for 50 common ambulatory surgeries for rotator cuff repair, wrist fracture pinning, hernia repair, shoulder scopes, endoscopy, colonoscopy, bladder scopes and stents, laser coagulation or vaporization of prostate for urine flow, lower back injections and more. Example: Hernia repair CPT 49560 has average charge of $3720, with Medicare allowing $568 and actually paying $446. Over 80% discount! Average payments do NOT show how much your costs for co-pays and deductibles are. Consumers are expected to know CPT codes and how to use Excel files. Not our favorite, but this is the best of what's out there, and it shows how messed up healthcare pricing is. No longer Editor's Pick, since in two years and the Value-Driven Health Care initiative, we expected improved reports. 2007 data published Aug. 22, 2008

Michigan Hospital Prices, Patient Opinion and Quality Ratings

Michigan Hospital Association's MI Hospital Inform web site shows Medicare charges, payments (how much Medicare pays, so you get an idea of average cost) and volumes for the top 50 most common inpatient and 50 outpatient services at 144 nonprofit hospitals. Includes services like clinic visit (without the doctor's charge), ER visit, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound. Inpatient conditions like stroke (DRG 14), hip, knee or ankle surgery (DRG 544), GI problems, psych admission, heart problems also show average Medicare charges. Patient Satisfaction (HCAHPS) and Quality ratings like those at CMS hospital compare are listed for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical infection prevention, except the dates may be older here (2007-2008 data) and no side-by-side comparisons. Prices from 2006-2007, one hospital at a time

Minnesota - Hospital Price Check (Inpatient & Outpatient)

Hospital-specific prices (charges) for the 50 most common inpatient hospitalizations (DRGs) and top 25 same-day surgery procedures in MN. Find average or median inpatient cost, volume and length of stay for newborns and child birth delivery, pneumonia, chest pain, COPD, hip or knee replacement, appendectomy, cellulitis, hysterectomy, rehab, other surgeries & many more. Outpatient prices for biopsies, cataracts, colonoscopy, ear tubes, gallbladder, hernia repair, arthroscopy, tonsillectomy, upper GI endoscopy, hysteroscopy, carpal tunnel and other same-day surgery. Must know the County in order to select which hospital's prices you want. See one hospital and one procedure at a time; by Minnesota Hospital Association, 2007 prices

Minnesota: How Much Does It Cost? (word doc)  

Short document from the Minnesota Council of Health Plans, 2005, displays average charges (from 2003) for nearly 50 common medical treatments (including endoscopy, ear tubes, hysterectomy, tonsillectomy, having a baby, and some prescription drugs), using Minnesota data. An interesting comparison is the cost for the same problem (e.g. sore throat or ear ache), depending on whether the patient seeks office care, urgent care or ER care. This report adds together charges from both the hospital and the physician - not commonly seen in reports of charges. In a time when price data are so difficult to get, this report earns an Editor's Pick as a starting point. After all, did you know that stepping on a rusty nail could cost over $1000, or that a colonoscopy could be a $2000 question?

Missouri Healthcare-Associated Infections - Central Line, Surgery & Ventilators  

Three types of hospital-acquired infections - Central Line Associated Bloodstream (CLAB) Infections, Surgical Site Infection rate, and Head of Bed elevation to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia - are presented by hospital or ambulatory surgery center (ASC) name, along with a symbol identifying whether the facility has a lower or higher rate than its comparison group. Click on DATA if you want to see the actual numbers of infections. Surgery infections available for hysterectomy, hip, heart bypass (CABG), outpatient breast surgery and hernia repair. Report by the MO Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) uses 2008 data. Easy to use Web site, so long as you remember to select which type of ICU for the CLAB data

Missouri Typical Inpatient Charges and Hospital-Specific Volumes (pdf)

Median charges for 60 most common inpatient medical conditions and surgeries at 109 Missouri hospitals. Information grouped by St. Louis, Kansas City, MO, mid-sized city hospitals and rural markets. Only general prices are shown by region, but you can see how much is charged, vs. how much is usually collected. Example: About $18,000 charged for Stroke, but $6600 is usually collected. Similar information for hip and knee replacement (median price $35,543 in Kansas City; $12,177 usually collected). This may be the closest you will find to average cost. Numbers of cases treated at each hospital, average length of stay, and the lower amounts that Medicare and Medicaid usually pay also shown. Includes COPD, Pneumonia, Heart care including stents, valves & cardiac cath, Bowel surgery, GI hemorrhage, Back problems, Renal failure, Kidney and UTI, Hysterectomy, Childbirth, Rehab, Stomach problems, Hernia (inpatient), Gall bladder (open and laparoscopic), prostatectomy, spinal fusion, some cancer care and more. Data from 2004-2005 is most recent available

Montana Hospital Inpatient Charges - Compare Prices

Montana PricePoint shows average charges at MT hospitals for inpatient stays (2007-2008 prices), including newborns, deliveries, Cesarean section, knee or hip replacement, rehab, psychiatric hospitalization, back problems, heart failure, stent, chest pain, bowel surgery, more. Many hospitalizations (such as diabetes, kidney or urinary tract infections, appendectomy, inpatient gall bladder removal) can only be found by using the comprehensive search. Site by MHA-An Association of Montana Health Care Providers

Montana Hospital Outpatient Surgery Costs

Compare MT hospital charges for ambulatory surgery and diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, breast biopsy, cardiac stress tests, cardiac catheterization. All prices EXCLUDE surgeon fees and other physician costs. PricePoint system shows last year's facility prices for common surgical procedures such as tonsillectomy, cataracts, ear tubes, knee cartilage, bunions, child's appendix removal, carpal tunnel, skin lesions, upper GI endoscopy; 2007-2008 costs

Nebraska Hospital PricePoint System (Inpatient Charges)

Find average price and typical charges for many types of inpatient hospital stays in NE. Examples: maternity prices, angioplasty, heart surgery, some cancer services, hip & knee surgery, bowel surgery, pneumonia, stroke, UTI, gall bladder surgery (inpatient only). Includes volume, average length of stay in the hospital, and median age of patient. Does not include physician costs. Shows one hospital/ one disease or condition at a time; 2007-2008 data. All cities including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Creighton, Norfolk, Kearney. NHA Care Compare is sponsored by the Nebraska Hospital Association

Nevada Hospital 2004 Average Bill and Length of Stay (pdf)

Nevada selected 39 common medical and surgical diagnoses by DRG, and reports each hospital's average bill for each of the last five years. Sample DRGs: Stroke, COPD, Pneumonia, Asthma in kids, Heart Failure, Chest Pain, Bowel Procedures, Appendectomy, Gall Bladder, Hip Replacement, Back problems, Diabetes, Renal Failure, Hysterectomy, Births, Psychoses. Facility volumes and state-wide average charges also shown. Report title: Personal Health Choices.

Nevada PricePoint (Hospital Inpatient Charges)

Find average price and typical charges for 67 types of inpatient hospitalizations in NV. Examples: childbirth prices, COPD, heart surgery, pacemaker, stents, hip & knee surgery, digestive problems, psychiatric hospitalization, rehab. Average length of stay in the hospital also given. Choose Comprehensive Query for prices on many other conditions not on the Basic list. Get one hospital/one disease or condition at a time; 2008-2009 charges shown. Must inflate and add physician fees to estimate 2010 average costs. Sponsored by the Nevada Hospital Association

New Hampshire Costs - Outpatient Surgery, Tests and Maternity

Shows typical prices for many outpatient procedures, plus inpatient maternity care. NH Health Cost shows expected average cost for over 30 common tests and ambulatory surgeries including colonoscopy, mammogram, ER visit; chest x-ray or x-ray for spine, shoulder, knee, ankle, or foot; bone density scan, CT scan (3 types), MRI for back, brain, knee, or pelvis; myocardial imaging; arthrocentesis, arthroscopy of knee, breast biopsy, destruction of lesion, outpatient gall bladder surgery, hernia repair, kidney stone removal, tonsillectomy, breast ultrasound, and other maternity ultrasound tests, births. Site uses 2007-2008 costs increased by 5% for price inflation, common language instead of requiring codes, and includes physician fees. Must supply zip code and insurance information (or no insurance). Report by The NH Department of Insurance updated 2009

New Hampshire PricePoint System (Inpatient Charges)

Find average price and typical charges for 64 types of inpatient hospitalizations in NH. Examples: maternity prices, heart surgery, pacemaker, hip & knee surgery, digestive problems, psychiatric hospitalization. Average length of stay in the hospital also given. Choose Comprehensive Query for prices on many other conditions not on the Basic list. Get one hospital/one disease or condition at a time; 2007 data shown. By the New Hampshire Hospital Association

New Mexico Hospitals PricePoint (Inpatient Charges)

Check charges (average price) and volumes for about 64 types of hospitalizations, representing about half of all NM hospital stays. No side-by-side comparisons; just one hospital at a time. Hospital conditions include maternity and newborn births, hip or knee replacement, back surgery, heart care, psychiatric, rehab care, and more. May also show hospital charity care and bad debt costs. Site by the New Mexico Hospitals and Health Systems Association, has not updated their 2005 prices, now 5 years old

New York and New Jersey 2008 HMO and Hospital Report Card (nyshaf.org)  

Compare cost and quality ratings for HMOs such as Aetna, AmeriHealth, Blue Choice, CDPHP, CIGNA, Community, Empire, GHI, Health Net, HIP, Independent, MVP, Oxford, Preferred Care, United & Univera side-by-side in NY and NJ, for diabetes, asthma, postpartum care, some cancer care, mental health, antibiotic use for children, low back pain care, Board-certified physicians, monthly health insurance premiums, overall patient satisfaction experience & more. Hospital quality comparisons on heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical infections also provided for NY hospitals. Inpatient volumes, average length of stay and average price (charges) provided for appendectomy, asthma, maternity (incl. newborn & c-section delivery), chest pain, depressive neuroses, diabetes, gall bladder surgery, heart failure, hip replacement, hysterectomy, stroke, cardiac procedures, pneumonia, and COPD. Some survival ratings. Impressive list of measures, too numerous to mention. Health Care Report Card prepared by the NYS Health Accountability Foundation - a partnership of the NY Business Group on Health and IPRO (the QIO). Dates of data vary; HMO premiums are supposed to be current to the month

New York State 2009 Honor Roll for Inpatient Hospital Care  

List shows NY hospitals with 3 stars with the best inpatient quality ratings - whose risk-adjusted mortality (death) rates in 2007 were statistically significantly lower than the state average (better survival rates). Conditions include congestive heart failure survival, heart attack survival, postoperative pulmonary embolism, DVT, hematoma, or sepsis, stroke survival, pneumonia survival, hip fracture survival, GI hemorrhage, craniotomy survival, PTCA, iatrogenic pneumothorax, accidental puncture. Prepared by the Niagra Health Quality Coalition

New York State 2009 Hospital Report Card (SM)

Compare hospitals in Central NY, Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Nassau-Suffolk, New York City, Northeast, and Western regions for survival rates: AAA, carotid endarterectomy, CABG, craniotomy, esophageal resection, pancreas removal, PTCA and pediatric heart surgery, hip replacement & hip fracture death rates, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, pneumonia and GI Hemorrhage survival. Patient safety performance on hospital infections, collapsed lung, postop pulmonary embolism or sepsis, and other information for maternity and surgery (e.g. gall bladder) also included. Myhealthfinder.com is a service of the Alliance for Quality Health Care & the Niagara Health Quality Coalition. Reports for 2009 analyzed patients from 2007

Ohio Hospital Charges and Utilization, 2007 (ohio.gov)

Ohio.gov Web site shows DRG (diagnosis related groups) inpatient charges (the closest available for average cost) and volumes by hospital. Public Warehouse data. Must know DRGs in order to find the procedure prices you want. Common hospitalizations: childbirth/ maternity & newborn delivery, heart problems, gall bladder, hysterectomy, pneumonia, stroke, rehab, joint surgery. Top 60 types of hospital stays

Ohio Hospitals - Top 60 Inpatient Hospital Prices (OHA)

As required by the Ohio Department of Health, the average and typical prices for the top 60 most common hospitalizations are listed by Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) for all payer cases. Reports published by the Ohio Hospital Association show volume, average charge and length of stay. No side-by-side comparisons. Surgery procedures and hospitalizations (such as joint replacement, delivery, hysterectomy [DRG 358], psychiatric admission, COPD, etc.) are listed in the order of volume for each hospital, requiring consumers to search for the condition they want, and check each individual hospital's report. 2008 data

Oklahoma PricePoint (Hospital Inpatient Charges)

Find average 2007 price and typical charges for many types of inpatient hospitalizations in OK. Examples: childbirth delivery prices, heart surgery, cardiac cath, hip & knee surgery, digestive problems, pneumonia, psychiatric hospitalization, rehab. Average length of stay in the hospital also given. Choose Comprehensive Query for prices on many other conditions not on the Basic list. Get one hospital/one disease or condition at a time. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Hospital Association. Consumers will need to inflate the old 2007 charges to estimate 2010 prices

Oregon - 2008 PricePoint (Hospital Inpatient Charges)

To get an idea of the average cost of hospital care, the Basic Query option allows users to check charges and volumes for 64 types of hospitalizations, representing about half of all hospital stays in Oregon. Includes maternity & newborn prices, heart care, stents, cardiac cath, heart transplant, hip and knee replacement charges, bone cancer, psychiatric hospitalization, alcohol & drug abuse, stomach or bowel problems, and rehabilitation charges. Hospital charity care and bad debt expenses also shown. Site by the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) shows one hospital, one condition at a time, using 2008 data. Consumers can try to get 2009 prices by calling the hospital

Oregon - compare hospital costs for under age 65 (2007)

State of OR (OHPR) posts average hospital charges paid by Oregon's 9 largest health plans (excludes Medicare, Medicaid) in 2007. Site is easy to navigate (click on Start Search), to compare costs for leukemia, chemotherapy, lymphoma, normal newborns and childbirth, prostate cancer (see Male reproductive), hysterectomy (Female reproductive), mental health, UTI, knee replacement and many more. Other than the prices being two years old, the information might be helpful if you think you can negotiate or select a better value hospital. Better inquire to see how much prices have gone up since 2007. Pub. 2009

Oregon Hospital Survival Ratings and Selected Procedure Volumes (.gov)

Compare OR hospitals on survival rates (mortality/ death rates shown) or volumes for certain procedures that have recommended minimum levels. Data from 2007 for balloon angioplasty (PTCA), heart attack, heart bypass CABG, congestive heart failure, hip fracture, pneumonia, stroke, AAA Repair, carotid endarterectomy, esophageal resection and GI hemorrhage. If you want to see all health conditions at a single hospital (2005 to 2007), click on hospital trends. Pub. by oregon.gov (OHPR and HPC), 2009

Osteoporosis (MedlinePlus)  

Includes Exercise, Prevention, Calcium, Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Tests; information on frequency of spine, wrist or hip fractures from osteoporosis (see Statistics), medications, links to National Osteoporosis Foundation, and more

Parents magazine 2009 List: 10 Best Children's Hospitals

Parents.com magazine Feb. 2009 list of top 10 best children's hospitals puts The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and those at Boston and Milwaukee, WI at the top of the list. Other top 10 include Cincinnati, St. Louis, Columbus OH, Texas (Houston), Atlanta, Rainbow Babies, and Children's Hospital in Denver. Top 5 pediatric hospitals by specialty are ranked for pediatric cancer care (led by St. Jude in Memphis), emergency services, cardiac heart care, neonatal, orthopedic and pulmonary care. In addition, 20 runners-up are named. Methodology is vague about dates of its hospital survey, but reportedly relies on hospital self-reports of volume, survival rates, safety practices and more

Pennsylvania Hospital Performance Report 2008 | PHC4 (Sept. 2009)  

Compare PA hospitals on Mortality Rating (relative survival rate), Average Charge (price), Length of Stay, and Readmissions. Thirty one (31) conditions in the pdf prepared reports include heart failure, abnormal heartbeat, heart attack, angioplasty and stent, pneumonia, stomach and intestinal bleeding, stroke, (laparoscopic & open) gallbladder removal, hip fracture, COPD, blood clots, colorectal procedures, diabetes, kidney failure, urinary tract infections, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, hysterectomy, septicemia, (radical and transurethral) prostatectomy, respiratory failure with & without mechanical ventilation, intestinal obstruction & carotid endarterectomy. Grouped by region. Use the Create your Own Report feature to access 20 additional conditions such as Brain surgery, medical back care, bronchitis & asthma, cirrhosis, liver disease, pancreatic cancer, stomach disorders, vascular procedures and more. Symbols for Mortality ratings can be confusing - a higher mortality rating means worse survival (we think). Contains helpful glossary for diagnoses & surgical procedures. Probably the most comprehensive report for hospital care in the country. Data from Oct. 1, 2007 to Sept. 30, 2008

Rehabilitation Hospitals - CARF-Accredited Facilities

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities offers the ability to do an online search for accredited facilities with specific rehab programs you may be interested in. Includes Behavioral Health, Pain Management, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord, Physical Rehab, Aging services, and more. Search engine is very complicated because of its required detail, and limit on searching one state at a time

Rhode Island PricePoint (Hospital Inpatient Charges)

Find average 2006 price and typical charges for 64 types of inpatient hospitalizations in RI. Examples: childbirth delivery prices, heart surgery, cardiac cath, stents, hip & knee surgery, digestive problems, pneumonia, psychiatric hospitalization, rehab. Average length of stay in the hospital also given. Choose Comprehensive Query for prices on many other conditions not on the Basic list. Get one hospital/one disease or condition at a time. Sponsored by the Hospital Association of Rhode Island (HARI), using old 2006 charges. Consumers will need to inflate the old charges for estimating currrent prices

South Dakota Average Charges for Top 25 Inpatient Hospital Stays - Statewide 2007

Data on median charges (typical prices) for 25 high-frequency SD inpatient hospitalizations and surgery. Includes newborns ($2025) and uncomplicated deliveries ($5244), Cesarean section; psychoses ($6404) and depression ($4996); complicated pneumonia, COPD ($9905); hip, knee, joint replacement ($31,450); back problems; heart failure ($10,640), Stent ($26,229), chest pain; digestive, stomach and abdominal procedures; hysterectomy ($15,763, up 15% from 2006); stroke; rehabilitation ($19,495, up 15%); kidney failure ($14,776) and more. To find the usual price for a specific hospital or surgical center, click on Hospitals in the upper right of the web page. Pub. June 2008 by SD Department of Health, 2007 prices

Tennessee Hospital Quality Comparison Ratings

The Tennessee Hospital Association and BlueCross BlueShield of TN have teamed up to compare hospital quality on mortality (survival rates), readmissions, volume and length of stay data. Interactive site for maternity, C-Section delivery, gall bladder surgery (laparoscopic & open cholecystectomy), cardiac valves, CABG, defibrillators, heart failure, stomach and GI problems, pneumonia, stroke, COPD, pacemakers, PCI, bowel surgery, brain surgery, back surgery, psychiatric hospitalization, hip and knee joint replacement (listed under Single & Bilateral Jt) and vascular procedures. Uses 2005-2006 data

Texas - Inpatient Care in Texas Hospitals, 2006 (Sept. 2008)

24 different quality ratings include patients of any payer type. Compare hospital volumes, mortality (survival rates), and certain utilization rates (i.e. cesarean section, VBAC rate, cardiac cath, appendectomy in elderly). Survival rates for heart attack (AMI), heart failure CHF, stroke, GI hemorrhage, hip fracture, and pneumonia. Volume and/or death rates provided for heart bypass surgery (CABG), angioplasty (PTCA), AAA Repair, hip replacement, craniotomy, esophageal resection, pancreatic resection, and carotid endarterectomy. Good set of reports, although dated to 2006. TX Dept. of State Health Services THCIC. If your hospital has a * by it, its mortality rate is significantly lower (good), but if it has two ** by it, its risk-adjusted mortality was found to be significantly higher; must look VERY closely to find the asterisks. Option to create your own report by searching the database by geographic area

Texas PricePoint - Compare Hospital Inpatient Charges (Prices)

If you are looking for average cost of hospital care or surgery, the 2007 prices at this site by the Texas Hospital Association might be the closest you can find. Information for one hospital at a time (no side-by-side comparisons) for maternity, childbirth, newborn, c-section; hip or knee replacement, fracture repair; pneumonia, COPD, bronchitis, asthma; heart failure, chest pain, cardiac cath, bypass, stent, heart transplant; mental health, psychiatric hospitalization, depression; alcohol rehab; bowel surgery; back problems including spinal fusion and more. Volumes at each hospital are shown.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2009: Orthopedics Rankings

US News & World Report's list of top 50 hospitals for hip and knee replacements and other orthopedic surgery shows Hospital for Special Surgery (New York) and Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.) as the best hospitals in the US. Uses Medicare data (2005-2007), reputation scores, mortality index, patient safety and more

Utah Hip and Knee Surgery: Death Rate and Charges (Hospital Prices)  

Hospital-specific survival rates (actual deaths vs. expected death rate) for hip fracture and hip replacement patients; 3-year period (2006-2008). Average UT hospital charges (2008) shown for hip or knee joint replacement (e.g. $31,678 for 3-day knee replacement stay, except at Dixie where $24,000 is more likely), including bilateral, other hip and femur, knee, lower leg & ankle procedures; hip fracture repair. Caution, prices are about two years old and do not include orthopedic surgeon fees, or other physicians. Published by Utah Dept. of Health Dec. 2009

Utah Inpatient Hospital Charges, 2008 - Utah PricePoint

Utah provides average charges (price) statewide, and on a hospital-specific basis for many common inpatient stays, such as pneumonia, stroke, appendectomy, hip and knee procedures, gall bladder surgery, hysterectomy, heart failure, heart attack, chest pain, coronary bypass, heart valve procedures, vaginal and cesarean deliveries, newborn births, chemotherapy, psychoses, alcohol or drug abuse, rehabilitation, back and neck procedures, digestive disorders, abdominal surgery, nutritional/metabolic problems, transplants and much more. Volumes (2008 data) and length of stay are included; does not include average cost for physicians. Consumers may adjust for 2010 costs by adding 2-year price inflation. As with other PricePoint Systems, view one UT hospital at a time. Utah Hospital Assn

Vermont - 2009 Hospital Report Cards (Act 53)  

Vermont calls these ratings Act 53 report cards, in honor of legislation passed in 2003, requiring VT hospitals to publish annual community reports about hospital quality, safety, financial health, costs for services and more. This government site links to all of the data, including outpatient prices. Health conditions include heart care, pneumonia, surgical infection prevention, central line associated bloodstream infection rates, hysterectomy infections, knee replacement and hip replacement infection rates, volume and death rates for resection of esophagus or of pancreas (usually for cancer), pediatric heart surgery, abdominal aneurysm repair (AAA), & more. This site earns Editor's Pick for putting Composite Quality Ratings, Survival Rate information, links to patient satisfaction and current medical prices all on the same same web page for easy access. Well done. Nurse staffing also available.

Vermont - Hospital Outpatient Surgery Prices, 2008 (pdf)  

Compare average gross charge (the closest you will get to average cost) for most common outpatient surgical procedures at 14 general hospitals in VT. Prices for procedures such as colonoscopy ($1859 state average, with low of $1255 at Porter Hospital to high of $2816 at North Country), colon polyp removal ($2409 average), cataract surgery (average $4575), endoscopy (stomach endoscopy prices range from $1356 at Southwestern to $3313 at Fletcher Allen), fetal monitoring (average $596), knee cartilage surgery ($5400 average), shoulder surgery, gall bladder removal (average $9353, range $7279 to $20,093 for laparoscopy), breast biopsy (avg. $3068), other biopsies, ear tubes (average $2293), cardiac catheterization (avg. $8271), tonsillectomy (about $4400), nerve block, bunion removal (range $4383 to $10,304), D & C ($3849) and many more procedures; 12-month avg. charges ending Sept. 30, 2008. As with all of Vermont's reports, the font size is about as small as you can get. Nonetheless, Editor's Pick

Vermont - Inpatient Hospital Average Prices, 2008 (pdf)  

Report shows average prices (charges) for each VT hospital's most frequent inpatient admissions - includes newborn delivery, cesarean section, pneumonia, total hip or knee replacement, depression, psychoses such as schizophrenia, COPD & emphysema, heart failure, chest pain, rehabilitation, stomach problems, appendectomy, hysterectomy, bowel, TURP and other surgery; stent, heart cath, heart rhythm problems, back problems, kidney or urinary tract infection, and other hospital stays. All common hospital admissions were more than $5000. Compare costs on 55 different types of cases, listed by MS-DRG. Links to hospital discount policies for consumers with cost concerns; 2007-2008 average charges

Washington (state) Hospital Inpatient Prices

Find out the typical charges (2007-2008 prices) to estimate the average cost of hospital surgery or medical problems. About 60 types, including maternity care, psychiatric hospitalization and digestive problems, are covered. Shows one hospital at a time similar to other state pricepoint systems. Presented by the WA State Hospital Association (WSHA)

West Virginia Hospital Charges, Nursing Home & Surgery Data, 2008 annual report

Table 14 shows average charges (prices) in 2007 (first 9 months) for the top 10 hospitalizations by DRG or MSDRG. Example: hip or knee replacement cost an average of $28k or $29,000 (depends on code); normal delivery was about $6000 plus $1400 for the baby. Most recent 2008 Annual Report by the West Virginia Health Care Authority (WV HCA) also shows financial information for each hospital and nursing home during 2007, and profit margins for ambulatory surgery centers. Consumers may find this 86-page difficult to use, in part because most of the important pages have to be printed to be read

Wisconsin - Ambulatory Surgery Charges, 2007 (pdf)

Average 2007 charges in WI for 20 common ambulatory surgery procedures, such as Colonoscopy (6 codes), Endoscopy, Biopsy, Spinal Injection, Cataract & Lens, outpatient Knee surgery/arthroscopy, Cardiac Catheterization, Carpal Tunnel, Ear Tubes, Tonsillectomy, and Hernia Repair. See older 2006 report or PricePoint for procedure prices such as Laparoscopic Gall Bladder removal, polypectomy, EGD, Rotator Cuff Repair, Arthrocentesis, bunionectomy, PTCA angioplasty, cochlear implant, pacemakers. Volumes for each hospital and surgery center are shown. Prices do not include physician fees, which often cost thousands of dollars. Scroll to bottom of page for Ambulatory Surgery Data Tables, published by WHA Information Center March 2009

Wisconsin CheckPoint - Hospital Ratings and Patient Opinions  

Compare hospital quality performance and patient satisfaction ratings for 125 hospitals in WI. Topics: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical infection prevention and survvival for hip, knee surgery, heart, vascular, other cardiac, colon surgery and hysterectomy; patient safety practices, incidental appendectomy rate; deaths data. See how many patients would definitely recommend the hospital. Most data in January 2010 update are from 2008-2009. Wisconsin Hospital Association makes quarterly updates. Even though the clinical topic list is sketchy (such as Bones and Digestive), WHA receives Editor's Pick for going beyond CMS measures, for showing all hospitals side-by-side, consumer ease in getting a free comprehensive quality report for one hospital, staying current, and showing comparisons to the benchmark best in the state

Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality - Hospital Inpatient Ratings & Prices

Compare hospital performance ratings for Surgery (including heart valves, gastric bypass [weight loss], angioplasty [PCI]), Heart Care, Maternity Care, Pneumonia, computerized physician orders to prevent medication errors, ICU staffing and more. Over 20 hospitals participate. Shows charges (average 2007 price) for some heart care, knee replacement, childbirth delivery, and pneumonia care; includes Leapfrog, CMS/Joint Commission measures. Some 2008 data. WCHQ report

Wisconsin Hospital Survival Ratings for Medical Illnesses  

Compare 108 WI hospitals (side-by-side) on their survival rates for stroke, heart attack, pneumonia, heart failure, hip fracture and GI Bleeding. Wisconsin Hospital Association report Deaths Due to Illness shows most hospitals performed As Expected, with a few significantly Worse, or Better than the others. Most results are from 2008 (deaths from 2007; error prevention show 2009 data), published 2009

Wisconsin Hospitals PricePoint (Average Inpatient Prices)

Average charge and length of stay for common hospitalizations including maternity and newborn births, hip or knee replacement surgery, gallbladder removal, heart surgery, angioplasty, valves, cardiac cath, pacemaker, pneumonia, mental health & depression, stroke, asthma, back care, asthma, COPD, rehab; kidney, heart, lung or other transplant; hysterectomy, prostate surgery, bowel surgery & more; Top 25 shown in a short report for each hospital. From WHA Information Center, part of the Wisconsin Hospital Association, using 2007-2008 data. Last year's charges are currently the closest information consumers are able to find about average costs. It takes a few screens, but you can compare four hospitals (anywhere in the state) at one time. Wisc. Hospital Assn. created the PricePoint System now used in other states. Site also shows charity care and inpatient volumes.

Wisconsin PricePoint - Outpatient & Ambulatory Surgery Cost

Compare outpatient and ambulatory surgery charges for colonoscopy, cataracts, ear surgery, cardiac catheterization, shoulder or knee surgery, carpal tunnel release, tonsil, appendix, breast biopsy, endoscopy, gallbladder, sterilization and more. Prices for tonsillectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy and ear tubes for kids are filed under C for Child. Shows one hospital or surgical center at a time, plus typical price in county and average 2008 surgery prices in Wisconsin