Today consumers are seeking to make more decisions on their healthcare needs based on costs and quality considerations. With the growth of consumerism in healthcare allowing people to shop their options, more individuals are learning that medical services and procedures have tremendous, seemingly random variation in costs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report is a collaboration between the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Blue Health Intelligence that aims to mine a market-leading claims database to uncover key trends and provide insight into healthcare dynamics and ultimately support improved quality and affordability for Americans.
This report analyzed three years of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies’ claims data for typical knee and hip replacement surgeries to further assess cost variations across the U.S. in 64 markets across the country. The report highlights typical knee and hip replacement procedures because they are among the fastest growing medical treatments in the U.S.
Key Findings
Some hospitals across the U.S. charge tens of thousands of dollars more than others for the same medical procedures, even within the same metropolitan market.
Their cost can vary by as much as 313%, depending on where the surgeries are performed.
A study published in the June 2014 issue of Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, found that typical knee replacements more than tripled and that typical hip replacements doubled between 1993 and 2009.
In 2011 there were 645,062 typical hip replacements and 306,600 typical knee replacements performed in the U.S., according to a report from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Read the full article here.
Contact Steven G. Cosby, MHSA with questions or to request more information and to schedule a healthcare plan evaluation, savings analysis or group plan solution for your company.
