Primary Listings

Arthroscopy – What is It?

What is Arthroscopy? Read this brief summary by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Includes information about rotator cuff procedure, meniscal tears, ACL tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other applications of arthroscopic orthopedic surgery.

Blue Distinction Centers: Cardiac, Cancer, Hip, Knee, Fertility, Maternity, Back, Spine, Bariatric Surgery, Organ Transplants, Gene Therapy, Substance Abuse

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have designated national Blue Distinction Centers meeting their standards and selection criteria for bariatric weight loss surgery, cancer care, cardiac (heart) care, fertility care, organ transplants (e.g. adult and pediatric bone marrow/stem cell, heart, kidney, liver); lung(adult only) transplants, total knee and hip replacement, maternity care, back spine surgery, Substance Use Treatment and Recovery (new in 2020), cellular immunotherapy, and gene therapy for ocular disorders (inherited blindness). Quality criteria can be found from the home page. In addition to Blue Distinction Centers, the Blue Distinction+ (Plus) designates high quality centers considered to have “more affordable care”. (No further information is available on prices.) Interactive database; updated 2022.

Bunions

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides a detailed description of bunions, who gets them, surgical treatment options, many pictures and drawings. Does not discuss podiatrists.

Find an Orthopedic Surgeon (Orthopaedist)

Find an orthopedic surgeon (orthopaedist) anywhere in the US. Easy-to-use site, by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Provides office location address.

Glossary – Orthopedic Terms and Definitions

Find definitions of orthopedic terms like arthroscopy and arthroplasty. Large number of resources with definitions and articles, by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Parts of the body and common problems like fractures or bunions are described (use search function). Orthoinfo

Hip Replacement Surgery (MedlinePlus)

The MedlinePlus site for Hip replacement surgery is free of advertisement. Information provided on implants, hip resurfacing, total hip joints, risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/blood clot, minimally invasive hip surgery; hip rehab exercises.

Knee Replacement Surgery (MedlinePlus)

MedlinePlus website on Knee Replacement Surgery shows important topics: total knee replacement surgery, joint replacement (arthroplasty), revision surgery, conditioning, rehabilitation exercises, deciding to have hip or knee surgery, and more. Many videos on minimally invasive surgery. We like MedlinePlus so much better than WebMD. It’s ad-free, a service of our National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Managing Pain from a Broken Hip

Read a medical journal article on the challenges of managing pain from a broken hip. Author Anthony Sanzone, MD reviewed 83 studies on pain management for patients with a hip fracture. He concludes that there are not enough well-designed studies to be totally confident which pain management approaches work well after hip fracture surgery. Further, he states that “the prevailing opioid-dependent model of analgesia presents multiple drawbacks and risks that can compromise outcomes in the hip fracture population. Other interventions, such as nerve blocks and multimodal analgesia, should therefore be considered.”  “Current Challenges in Pain Management in Hip Fracture Patients”, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, May 2016.

Medicare (Inpatient) Prices for Hospitalizations 2020

Medicare inpatient prices for hospitalizations during 2019 are in this difficult to use Excel file. Amounts paid to hospitals by Medicare, on average for 2020 hospital stays, are shown. Listed by DRG and provider. Consumers can see the Medicare volume for that diagnosis and how much the hospital was allowed as Covered Charges, plus what Medicare payments were. If you can wade through it, you’ll see that total payments were quite often only one-fourth of what the covered charges were – a 75% discount. Hence, the file illustrates how hospital pricing (charge) has become meaningless for most people. Here are a few examples. A hip or knee joint replacement (DRG 470) at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, had an average charge of nearly $80,000 for over 2,945 cases. However, the total payment on average was just $23,780, an effective discount of 70% of the total charges. The hospital with the second largest Medicare volume of hip and knee replacements, New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, had an average charge of $26,389, and average total payment of $15,201. Their average discount was “just” 42%. NYU Langone Hospital in NYC, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital (FL) each had effective discounts of about 84%. All four hospitals received total average payments for joint replacement (DRG 470), between $13,000 and $27,500, but average charges ranged from $26,000 to an astounding $177,000. Published July 2022.

See Also Consumer Health Ratings – Average Costs & Prices – Compare Hospital Charges Editor's Pick

See Consumer Health Ratings’ main category on Costs to COMPARE average costs, prices or charges among providers. Compare specific hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers or clinics for hospitalizations, many surgeries, procedures and outpatient tests. The LEARN MORE listings show general average costs of healthcare in your region, if available.

See also Consumer Health Ratings – Ratings, Report Cards and Credentials – Compare Quality Editor's Pick

See Consumer Health Ratings’ main page to compare Quality. Find ratings, report cards and credentials. Free public reports of quality ratings and comparisons among individual hospitals, nursing homes, health insurance plans, and other health care services. Check your physician’s credentials and look up your doctor’s medical license in this category.

Other Helpful Listings

20 Most Expensive Conditions Requiring Hospital Stay, 2017

The top 10 of 20 most expensive conditions that people got hospitalized for in 2017, were Septicemia, osteoarthritis, liveborn infants, heart attack (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), back problems, respiratory failure, coronary atherosclerosis, cerebral infarction (stroke), and diabetes with complication. The full list identifies 20 health conditions that cost the nation the most in hospital charges in 2017. The top 10 represented 43% of the total national hospital bill. For Medicaid patients, complications during childbirth, schizophrenia and previous C-section were in the top 10. For self-pay patients/no insurance, diabetes with complications was the 3rd most expensive condition. 18-page Statistical Brief #261 by AHRQ uses 2017 HCUP data; published July 2020.

Ambulatory Surgery Average Charges in U.S. Hospitals, 2007

Find average charge for about 80 outpatient ambulatory surgery procedures done in hospitals in 2007 (excluding surgeon’s or other physician fees.) Consumers will need to adjust the 2007 prices for medical inflation, to estimate 2021 costs.  Add at least 56% for a rough estimate. Overall average was $6,100, compared to nearly $40,000 for inpatient surgery. In today’s 2022 medical dollars, that would be $9,500 and more than $62,000. Average colonoscopy & biopsy price in 2007 was $2,369; upper GI endoscopy $3,131; cataract & lens was $4,870; tonsillectomy $5,286; knee cartilage $7,357; hernia repair $8,187; outpatient gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) $10,838; breast biopsy $3,863; lumpectomy $7,458; ear tube surgery (myringotomy) $3,547; D&C $6,366; arthroscopy $8,970; incontinence procedures $9,929; varicose veins $,8459; bunionectomy $7,699; wrist fracture $7,807; $4,770 for circumcision. AHRQ Statistical Brief #86 was  published in February 2010. The report was updated in December 2021, with 2019 volumes, as Statistical Brief 287. Unfortunately, the federal government did not include average charges, or cost estimates. in the new report.

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

Arkansas hospital volumes, prices, quality ratings and patient satisfaction are listed 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. Volumes are listed under the hospital’s Profile. To find quality scores on emergency department, heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, COPD, stroke, delivery 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 2017; Quality and Patient Satisfaction scores reflect 2018 ratings. Information is outdated. No updates were made during 2020, 2021, or 2022. Medical inflation has been at least 15% since 2017.

Average Cost of Common Hospital Stays (HCUP)

Learn about the average cost for common hospital stays, by diagnosis. Average cost per stay for all diagnoses was $11,700 in 2016. Based on information included in the report, it appears that the 2017 average cost per stay was about $12,100. Therefore the estimated cost in 2022 dollars with medical inflation alone, would be about $13,900 per hospital stay. These numbers are estimated costs, NOT prices; they do not include physician fees. Add at least 15% for medical cost inflation to 2022.

Report shows 20 conditions with the highest total inpatient costs in 2017. Consumers can calculate the 2017 average cost (a convenience not provided in this report, unfortunately) for more than 20 conditions. For example, the average cost per stay for osteoarthritis calculates to about $15,900 (2017 dollars). The average cost per stay for a liveborn (newborn) calculates to about $4,000. Conditions include septicemia, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, newborn baby, acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, coronary atherosclerosis, stroke, diabetes with complications, COPD, pneumonia, hip fracture, depression (using Medicaid data), obesity, and more. Breakouts are shown for Medicare, Medicaid, and private payer cases. Prices or charges will be higher. Statistical Brief #261 National Inpatient Hospital Costs: The Most Expensive Conditions by Payer, 2017 from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), AHRQ July 2020.

California – Average Inpatient and Outpatient Prices, 2022 Hospital Chargemaster

California provides average prices for inpatient and outpatient procedures as of June 1, 2022, as listed in each hospital’s chargemaster. All CA hospitals are included. Excel files show prices for at least 25 common outpatient procedures. ER visits, MRI and CT test prices should be included, along with selected outpatient surgery. The average cost (charge) for top 25 types of outpatient procedures or surgery includes CPT codes. Outpatient reports may show hospital prices for Emergency Room visits, office visit code 99213, lab tests, CT, MRI, Mammogram, x-ray, ultrasound, Physical Therapy visit, Arthroscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopy, carpal tunnel, hernia repair, gall bladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), lumbar injections, tonsillectomy, ear tubes and more, depending on each hospital’s highest volume.

California 2022 inpatient prices are listed only in each hospital’s massive and complicated Charge Master, which shows the charge for every pill, lab test and hospital room rate. This is where you will find maternity, obstetrics, newborn nursery, labor and delivery charges. But you may need to wade through more than 10,000 individual services listed in the chargemaster to find what you want to know.  Files are in Excel file format. Prices are from 2022. Consumers can see one hospital at a time by downloading their chargemaster file.  Provided through California OSHPD, the state government Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.

California Hospital Quality: Survival Rates and Mortality Ratings 2020

Find and compare California hospital quality ratings for survival and mortality for 2020 (latest available). Find risk-adjusted mortality (death) rates for each CA hospital, and the number of inpatient cases in 2020, as well as in prior years. California statewide mortality rate in 2020 for hip fracture was 1.5%, pneumonia 6.3% (more than doubling), PCI (angioplasty) 3.9%, heart attack (AMI) 5.9%, heart failure 2.9%, acute stroke 8.5%, GI hemorrhage (bleed) 2.8%, pancreatic resection 2.3%, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and other procedures. Report by CA Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (oshpd) shows whether hospitals were similar to state average, or significantly better or significantly worse survival rates; published May 2022. Using the filters in the interactive version may be difficult for some consumers.

Colorado Average Cost for Office Visit, ER Visit, Outpatient Tests and Hospital Stay

Find out the average charge and average amounts allowed (cost) for an office visit, ER visit, outpatient tests and hospital stays in Colorado. More than 60 types of hospitalizations and almost 90 outpatient types are listed. Web site shows average price and amount paid in 2020 for each major insurance company. Compare the 9 regions such as Denver, Boulder, Ft. Collins, East CO, etc. Average cost for a 15-minute office visit (code 99213) was $101 in CO in 2020, compared to an average charge of $199. A new patient visit (99203) cost $176 for 30 minutes; the average charge was $288.  The most common type of ER (emergency room department) visit cost $1,293 (allowed) compared to $2,432 in charges. The ER visit code was 99283. The next two most common ER visit types cost $2,202 and $3,586 on average; their charges averaged almost $4,800 and $6,600 respectively. Most likely there were additional tests and imaging charges that were added to the bill.

Almost 13,000 Medicare Advantage cataract and lens procedures were done in 2020 (code 66984). While the average cataract removal charge was over $4,400, the allowed amount was $1,053. The Medicare member was responsible to pay $105 to $227, depending on insurance company. For other insurance, the member might have to pay $943 for a cataract removal. View prices and average costs for colonoscopy and ambulatory knee arthroscopy surgery. Inpatient costs include maternity and newborn charges, C-Section delivery, psychiatric admission, alcohol treatment, rehab, depression, diabetes and many more hospital stays. Consumers may wish to add medical inflation of at least 4.4% for 2022. Provided by the State of Colorado.

Colorado Hospital & Ambulatory Surgery Infection Rates 2022

Find Infection Rates for Colorado hospitals, Ambulatory Surgery facilities, and outpatient dialysis centers, 2021. CO Dept. of Public Health (CDPHE) reports patient infections in health facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dialysis centers. Infection Rates are compared to national average, on surgical site infections for breast surgery, colon surgeries, hip replacement, knee replacement surgery, outpatient hernia repair, hysterectomy; c.diff infections, central line bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in adult or neonatal ICU, critical care units & long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), and dialysis treatment centers (DTCs). If a facility is significantly better or worse, it’s highlighted. 2021 data published in July 2022. Timely Colorado report.

Colorado Hospital Quality Ratings, Report Card

Find hospital ratings and report card on quality in Colorado. Click on View Report Card Website. See hospital-specific data on mortality (survival rates) and volume. Mortality Measures show survival rate information for heart care (heart failure, heart attack AMI), pneumonia, stroke, hip fracture, or bleeding stomach (GI). Compare CO hospitals on Patient Safety bedsores (pressure sores/ decubitus ulcer), post-surgical blood clots (DVT, PE), sepsis (bloodstream infections). Most measures show 2020 data. Search by hospital, or select Denver, or one of four other regions. Number of falls are in nursing-sensitive measures. Some year-to-date 2022 data. Report Card website by the Colorado Hospital Association at cha.com and cohospitalquality.org. Updated 2022. Reports on infections have been moved to the CO state website. Note: the Mozilla browser may not work for some users. Here is an alternate link for the site.

Cost of an Office Visit (MEPS)

MEPS provides the average and median cost for a doctor’s office visit. Average cost paid (payments) for an office-based physician visit in 2016 was $265 (about $311 in 2022 dollars with medical inflation). For primary care (family medicine, internists and general practice) the 2016 average visit cost was $186. (For all 2016 numbers add about 17.2% to estimate 2022 prices.) Pediatrics came in at $169; psychiatry at $159, Dermatology at $268, OB/GYN was $280 per visit. Specialists in Ophthalmology were $307, but Orthopedics and Cardiology jumped to $419 and 335 respectively. Other specialists (as a group) averaged $365. Median or typical expenses were considerably lower at $116 overall, and $107 for primary care, $103 for psychiatry and ranging up to $134 median for ophthalmology and orthopedics. Mean out of pocket expense was highest for ophthalmology ($125) and lowest for pediatrics ($40). Primary care was $50 average out of pocket, if the patient had some responsibility. Statistical Brief # 517, pub. October 2018 by AHRQ using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data; household component.

Florida Inpatient Hospital Ratings, Satisfaction, Average Price

Compare Florida inpatient hospital ratings on infections, patient satisfaction, average price (cost estimate), and readmissions. In the Quality Report Card column, find volume (number of hospitalizations) or how many procedures they do each year in various specialty service line, average length of stay, and readmission rate. 2020 and 2021 data.  State inspection reports are also shown on each hospital’s individual page. Click on Care Bundle Pricing $ icon to find hospital and an old report on average statewide charge. Prices are old, and estimated to 2018 or 2019 only. All age groups (not just Medicare), extensive set of health conditions/diseases, and the ability to sort with best FL hospitals at the top of the list, make this website helpful. While the Quality and Satisfaction scores are current, the cost information is not. Click on the hospital name to additional information about the hospital. Hysterectomy listed under Women’s Health instead of Surgery. FloridaHealthFinder.gov, updated 2022.

Hospital Compare – at medicare.gov (all states) Hospital star ratings, complications Editor's Pick

Visit Hospital Compare to find hospital star ratings and complications for hospitals in all states. Compare 3 hospitals at one time. Federal government (at medicare.gov) gives 1 to 5 stars and compares hospital ratings for heart attack (AMI), heart failure, pneumonia, COPD, stroke, hip & knee, preventing infections and surgical complications, timeliness of Emergency (ER) dept., use of medical imaging. Most data are from calendar 2021, but may vary by measure. Includes death rate comparisons from heart failure, heart attack, pneumonia, COPD, stroke, CABG; and return to hospital (readmission) rates. Click on Timely & Effective Care, or Complications. Shows patient satisfaction HCAHPS ratings (patient experience opinions) from 2021. Some info on colonoscopies and cataracts. Editor’s Pick because it’s the best of what is out there. The federal government standardized broad ratings for all hospitals, and most ratings are based on more than just Medicare patients. Small volume hospitals will not show data for some measures. Graphs are no longer available. Today’s stars may reflect older data than shown at the website. Read the fine print. Updated October 2022.

Hospital Ratings at HealthGrades (all states) 2023

HealthGrades Hospital Ratings (5-star, 3-star, 1-star) for 2023 on over 30 diseases & inpatient procedures: Stroke, back surgery, COPD, diabetes, gall bladder surgery, bowel obstruction, GI Bleed, hip fracture repair, hip replacement, total knee replacement, prostate removal, TURP, hysterectomy (listed under gynecologic surgeries), respiratory failure, pneumonia, cardiac bypass, heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty, defibrillator, pacemaker, valve surgery, sepsis, pancreatitis, pulmonary embolism, abdominal aneurysm, stomach surgery, peripheral vascular bypass & more. Probably 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. Publicly-traded company. Most data in 2023 ratings are from Medicare patients, from 2018 to 2020. Patient satisfaction ratings (2020-2021 data) are featured by HealthGrades. One hospital at time, unfortunately. No longer Editor’s Pick, since HealthGrades removed the 3-year patient volume, and actual mortality or complication rates compared to predicted. Mostly, the site shows which ratings awards were given to the hospital by HealthGrades – a fee likely was required for publicizing the award.

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

Illinois hospital and ambulatory surgery center ratings and prices, from IDPH. Compare IL hospitals on patient satisfaction ratings; heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical infection prevention, knee arthroscopy, cardiac surgery, safety measures, infection rates, some survival information, more. See volume and 2019-2020 median charges (closest you’ll get to average cost) for selected types of inpatients (e.g. birth, c-section, appendectomy, COPD, gall bladder), and outpatients at ambulatory surgery centers (such as arthroscopy priced at $42,000 average in IL), bunionectomy (which had a statewide list price at $23, 374), hernia repair ($24,600), colonoscopy ($7,400), lens, lumpectomy, tonsillectomy (almost $15,000). Prices may be found under the SERVICES tab after you select the hospital or facility. May get a full report for one hospital or ambulatory surgery center at a time, or one measure at a time for multiple facilities side-by-side, with state averages. Hospital Report Card by IL Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) for all IL cities incl. Chicago area, Peoria, Rockford, Springfield, Champaign. Updated with 2018-2020 prices, 2019 and 2020 quality data, and 2019 patient satisfaction scores. Add medical inflation costs of 10%.

Iowa – Average Price for Ambulatory Surgery 2021

Compare 2021 average prices for ambulatory outpatient surgery at Iowa hospitals. Costs do not include surgeon fee or other professional charges. Check one procedure at a time. Average charge billed last year for Upper GI endoscopy was between $7,000 and $8,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand dollars). Colonoscopy average cost was between $5,000 and $8,000 excluding physician fees. Simple cataract $8,000 to $9,000. Tonsillectomy with adenoid removal, over age 11 was $10,000. One ear tube cost $12,000. Average charge for shoulder surgery $23k to $25,000. Laparoscopic gall bladder removal averaged $20k in hospital charges. Inguinal hernia repair (laparoscopic) averaged $28,000. Knee ACL repair averaged $34,000 in Iowa. Bunion correction surgery was $22,000 in average charges. An outpatient vasectomy was $7,000. Hysterectomy average charges were $26,000. Individual hospitals shown if they have enough volume. However, volumes are not shown. More ambulatory surgery procedures are listed. From the IA Hospital Association; reasonably easy to use. Updated 2022.

Iowa Hospital Inpatient Charges Compare 2021 prices

Iowa Hospital Charges Compare provides information about volumes and average 2021 charges (amount billed) and median price at IA hospitals. This site is for consumers who want to find the average cost of surgery or other inpatient services. Select one hospital to begin. See price, length of stay, number of cases and more. Must select city first, then body system before finding the procedure. 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 (only general knee surgery is shown for 2021, average cost of about $70,000); childbirth (listed under women’s health) and newborns, pneumonia, stroke, heart care, transplants, COPD, rehab, and many medical conditions. Severity of illness is shown. Limited focus to one service and category at a time. Average cost (and median charges) across the state are also shown for each procedure. Average charge for delivering a baby (vaginal, uncomplicated) was $11,618 in Iowa in 2021; moderate severity averaged $13,224. Average newborn (normal weight, uncomplicated) charge was $4,485. Physician and surgeon’s charges are not included in the prices. Updated 2022.

Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care – Certified Hospitals

Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care – Certified Hospitals helps you find hospitals that have achieved Certification or Advanced Certification in any of about 9 programs. Advanced certification in stroke care (Primary Stroke Centers or two other stroke designations) is the most common. Other advanced certification programs are in hip and knee, inpatient diabetes, perinatal services, and ventricular assist devices. Add-on certification is available for palliative care and primary care medical home. Many are listed as having Advanced programs. The Joint Commission is the leading accrediting body for hospitals.

Leapfrog – Minimum Volume Surgery Recommendations (Evidence-based Hospital Referral) Editor's Pick

The Leapfrog Group has Evidence-Based Hospital Referral Safety Standards that include recommended minimum volumes for certain surgical procedures. They include minimum annual hospital volumes as follows: 50 procedures for knee replacement (minimum 25 for a surgeon), minimum 50 hospital procedures for hip replacement (minimum 25 for surgeon), 40 mitral valve repair and replacement (minimum 20 for a surgeon), minimum 10 open aortic procedures (10 for surgeon), minimum 20 for pancreatic resections for cancer (10 for surgeon), esophageal resection 20 (7 for surgeon); 40 minimum for lung resections (15 per surgeon); minimum 50 bariatric surgery for weight loss (20 for surgeon); minimum 20 carotid endarterectomy (10 for surgeon) and other volume standards for rectal cancer, open aortic procedures and the Norwood procedure (infant heart). Read about the specifics, then go to the Hospital Quality Ratings category, and check the Leapfrog data for information on your local hospitals. Updated April 2022.

Louisiana Hospital Ratings and Prices – LA Hospital Inform

Louisiana Hospital Ratings and Prices from lahospitalinform.org. The most recent quality ratings and outpatient charges (prices) at this site are from 2020. Consumers could add minimum 5.3% medical inflation to translate to 2022 dollars. No dates on the number of inpatients and inpatient charges. Compare 3 hospitals at a time, side by side. Average costs are not shown; only range of charges (low price and high price only) for Medicare patients. Also compare hospitals on number of cases at LA hospitals. Find hip or knee surgery price range, gall bladder removal, psychiatric admission, rehab, heart problems, stent, stomach problems, stroke, GI hemorrhage, kidney failure, COPD, pneumonia, diabetes, bowel surgery, more. Outpatient Medicare prices include heart tests such as cardiac cath, heart imaging, pacemaker; CAT scan or CT angiography; GI endoscopy, mental health, general surgery, chest x-ray, MRI, more. Because it’s Medicare patients only, childbirth delivery, C-section and newborn average costs are not included. Quality tab shows volumes for each procedure and scores from Hospital Compare (federal government site). LA Hospital Inform is sponsored by the Louisiana Hospital Association.

Maine – Average Cost for Hospital and Doctor Visits (2020-2021) Editor's Pick

Find the average cost for both hospital and doctor visits in Maine in 2020 to 2021. These “costs” may be less than charges or prices, since they are what 35 commercial payers actually paid for the service in the 12 months ending March 31, 2021. Compare costs at different clinics and hospitals. Average cost for an ER visit in Maine was $604 for a moderate severity emergency department visit (before adding lab, imaging and other tests). A high severity visit (code 99284) to the ED cost $1,029 before other test costs were added in. Average vaginal delivery costs (median payment) was $16,451 for Childbirth delivery and 60 days of related care. This was up 15% from the prior year. (Does include physician care, but probably not newborn charges). An uncomplicated C-Section averaged $24,257, up 8%. Find costs for other surgeries by hospital, such as hip or knee joint replacement, arthroscopy, colonoscopy, hernia repair, tonsillectomy and gall bladder surgery. Find many median (middle) payments here physician office visits ($116 average cost for 15-minute appt for an established patient 99213), CT, MRI, x-ray, lab tests and more. A one hour crisis psychotherapy visit averaged $218. An ongoing 60 minute psychotherapy visit (90837) cost $100 on average. Uses CPT codes. All “average cost” figures are actually median payment. Almost 8 million claims were analyzed. However, no Medicare or Medicaid claims were included. More surgery costs were added this past year, so we are giving this the Editor’s Pick award. From Maine Health Data Organization in State of Maine

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

Compare costs in Maine for surgery, x-ray, imaging and lab tests across hospitals and medical groups. MHDO Maine Health Data Organization’s website shows average amount paid (median “cost”) by commercial insurance for surgery such as hip or knee replacement, shoulder arthroscopy, carpal tunnel, gallbladder removal; skin growth removal; lab tests such as strep, blood tests, urine. Imaging tests such as mammogram, x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound. Diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy. Good news is that both physician and hospital charges for surgery are shown to give you an idea of total cost (and discounts); CPT codes listed. Costs for surgery, office visits and tests are from 2020-2021 claims, excluding Medicare and Medicaid. Search by city or zip code radius. From maine.gov; updated 2022.

Maryland Hospital Prices, 2021 Editor's Pick

Compare hospital prices in Maryland for 2021. Volume (number of cases) and average charges (prices) at each Maryland hospital (by name) and statewide are available for more than 300 of the most common inpatient diagnoses. Includes newborns (average cost $2,371), childbirth vaginal delivery ($9,625), c-section (avg. $12,203), septicemia, heart failure, COPD, pneumonia, hip replacement ($32,015), knee joint replacement (average cost $33,602), cardiac arrhythmia, major depression ($14,207), bipolar admissions ($13,804 state average), schizophrenia ($18,932), cellulitis ($11,748), stroke, urinary tract infections ($11,438) and rehabilitation ($30,455). Data from first half of 2021. Hospital prices for the same procedure can vary widely. For example, inpatient hip replacement cost $35,199 on average at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, which had the largest program and an average length of stay of 4.3 days. Sinai Hospital, on the other hand had an average price over $52,000, which was the highest of any hospital that did at least 80 hip cases in six months. Sinai’s length of stay was 6.7 days. Mercy Medical Center had one of the shortest average stays – 1.8 days, and an average charge under $22,000. Easy to use website; easy to sort columns. Consumers can also view the average cost for commercial insurance patients compared to Medicare or Medicaid, for example. By MD Health Care Commission MHCC 2022.

Maryland Hospital Quality Ratings (MHCC)

Compare Maryland hospital quality ratings. Overall patient reviews (consumer satisfaction), quality and safety ratings for people hospitalized in Maryland. Topics include different types of infections, emergency department (ER) waiting time, heart conditions, pneumonia, COPD, hip and knee surgery, imaging, stroke, maternity and newborn care, surgery infections for hysterectomy, colon surgery and more. Search by condition or procedure might be the most helpful. Actual hospital scores are shown, but the dates are not. Also unclear what the definitions and dates are, for the national comparisons. Published by MD Health Care Commission (MHCC). Other than knowing how old the data used in the quality measures are, this might be the best state-based rating of hospitals in the US. Updated 2022.

Massachusetts Hospital Ratings – Infection Rates

Find infection rates for Massachusetts hospitals in 2021. Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) in MA hospitals, show infection rates for hip, knee, hysterectomy, CABG and colon surgery. Also shows infection types: CLABSI, CAUTI, CDI, and MRSA. Volume of cases also shown. Find staff vaccination rates for influenza. Choose the Interactive HAI Map to see ratings for each individual hospital. Published by Mass. Health and Human Services, September 2022.

Michigan Hospital Ratings: VerifyMIcare.org

Find Michigan hospital ratings at verifyMIcare.org. Website from Michigan Hospital Association’s Keystone Center allows consumers to compare care at MI hospitals. Compare 3 hospitals at a time on how well they rate on infections, overall mortality (survival rates), readmissions, some obstetrics care such as c-sections, complications from surgery, and length of stay for hip or knee replacement surgery, stroke, heart failure or pneumonia. Includes critical access hospitals in rural areas and metro hospitals in the Detroit, Ann Arbor and Lansing areas. Most quality ratings reflect data from 2019-2020. Must click on the checkmark (or plus or minus signs) to see the dates, which are otherwise hidden. Patient satisfaction and experience ratings are also shown for 2018-2019. No updates as of April 2023.

Minnesota – Hospital Price Check (Inpatient & Outpatient)

Minnesota Hospital Price Check gives hospital-specific prices (charges) for all inpatient hospitalizations and top 25 same-day surgery procedures in MN. Find average and median inpatient cost (before discounts) and volume 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 (cholecystectomy), hernia repair, arthroscopy, tonsillectomy, upper GI endoscopy, hysteroscopy, carpal tunnel and other same-day surgery. Hospitalizations are described in medical terms. Because the site uses coding phrases and medical terms (e.g cholecystectomy instead of gall bladder), consumers should be prepared ahead to type in the correct term. Compare 3 hospitals, one procedure at a time; excludes doctor charges; by Minnesota Hospital Association, 2021 prices and volumes of cases. Shows statewide average charge also.

Minnesota, ND, SD, WI – Physician Clinic Ratings – HealthScores

Find HealthScores Physician Clinic Ratings in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. See one clinic at a time. Over 500 participating medical groups, hundreds of clinic locations and urgent care centers in MN; Fargo, Grand Forks, ND;  Sioux Falls, SD and some WI communities for diabetes, knee replacement, vascular care, mental health (depression), cancer screening, controlling high blood pressure, heart (coronary artery) disease, asthma, vaccinations, appropriate care for children with colds and sore throats and more. Some clinics also have patient satisfaction scores. Medical groups include Allina, Altru, Apple Valley, Aspen, Avera, Brainerd, Children’s Physician Network, Dakota Clinic, Edina, Fairview, Fergus, Grand Itasca, Gundersen, HealthEast, HealthPartners, Lakewood, Mankato, Mayo Clinic, North Memorial, Northfield, Olmsted, Park Nicollet, Ridgeview, Sanford, St. Cloud CentraCare, St. Luke’s, St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic (Essentia), Stillwater, United, University of Minnesota, Winona Health Services, and more; OB-GYN clinics and Orthopedic clinics. Report by MN Community Measurement (founded by the MN Medical Association and seven non-profit health insurance plans). Annual data from 2021. Updated 2022. Very small font and no side-by-side comparisons make this less user-friendly than in the past.

Missouri Hospital ER Cost and Inpatient Prices and Quality – Compare Hospitals Editor's Pick

Missouri hospital ER prices, inpatient cost and quality ratings. To compare hospital costs, click on Find a Hospital, then Pricing Data to find the average 2021 price (median charge) for common inpatient medical conditions and surgeries at Missouri (MO) hospitals. In addition, if you click on the arrow to expand, you will find a range of charges, average length of stay, and number of cases per year shown. Childbirth, maternity, mental health, hip and knee surgery, heart care, etc. Must know the general body system (such as musculoskeletal) in order to search inpatient prices.

Emergency department (ER Emergency Room) visit costs are shown separately by “level”. In Missouri, nearly 2/3 of the ER visits were at Levels 3 and 4. Median charge for Level 3 ER visit in 2021 (the most common, moderate severity & moderately complex case) was $1,746. This was 7.6% higher than last year. The second most common ER visit was Level 4 (high severity), had an average cost of $4,435, up almost 7% from 2020. The highest possible Level 5 visit cost $7,748 on average, up 9% from 2020. Just 11% of ER patients were classified as Level 1 or 2; the median prices for these low level visits were $541 and $880 respectively. Average prices shown for 2021. We assume these average costs reflect base price only, without “extra” test costs, and possibly without physician fees. Such information was not readily available at the site. The cost numbers are “sticker price”, not what insurance pays after discounts. Hospital “self-pay discounts” (e.g., 30% or 40% discount off the full charges) are listed at the site. Hospital Quality data also shown at this site. Compare hospitals on infections, readmissions, falls, and other patient safety results. Editor’s Pick for putting all of this information in one place and timely reporting on quality and costs. Published by the Missouri Hospital Association.

Montana Hospital Inpatient Charges – Compare Prices

Compare inpatient prices at Montana hospitals. MHA PricePoint shows median and average charges for inpatient stays (2019-2020 prices), including newborns, deliveries, Cesarean section, knee or hip replacement, rehab, psychiatric hospitalization, back problems, heart failure, stent, chest pain, bowel surgery, more. Length of stay also shown. An admission for Psychoses (severe psychological disorders) in MT averaged 8.7 days with a median charge of $12,699 and average cost $18,085 in 2019-2020. Joint replacement was $40,885 average, 2.0 day stay. Uncomplicated maternity stay cost $11,051 in 2019-2020 (average charge). Average cost for a normal newborn stay was $3,231. Consumers may wish to add about 7% medical inflation to estimate 2022 prices. Discounts to insured patients are not shown. PricePoint site by MHA-Montana Hospital Association.

Montana Hospital Outpatient Surgery and Test Costs

Find out how much outpatient surgery and imaging tests cost in Montana in 2019-2020. Compare MT hospital charges for ambulatory surgery and diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy (median charge $2,611 for a diagnostic colonoscopy code 45378), sigmoidoscopy, breast biopsy, cardiac stress tests, cardiac catheterization. All prices EXCLUDE surgeon fees and other physician costs. PricePoint system shows facility prices in the past, for common surgical procedures such as tonsillectomy (median $6,004 with adenoid removal, under age 12, code 42820), cataracts, ear tubes, knee cartilage, bunions, child’s appendix removal, carpal tunnel, gallbladder removal, skin lesions, upper GI endoscopy; x ray, CT, MRI (e.g. spine MRI without dye had a median price of $1,692, code 72148) and other radiology imaging prices listed. Costs are from July 2019-June 2020. Consumers may wish to add medical inflation to estimate 2023 prices. No updates available as of April 2023.

Nebraska Hospital PricePoint System (Inpatient Charges)

Find average price and typical charges for most types of inpatient hospital stays in Nebraska for 2019. Compare average hospital prices in the PricePoint system. Example of hospitalizations: maternity prices, angioplasty, heart surgery, some cancer services, hip & knee surgery, bowel surgery, kidney and other transplants, pneumonia, stroke, some mental health psych services, UTI, gall bladder surgery (inpatient only). If you can’t find it, check the comprehensive list (e.g. MDC 19 for mental health).  Vaginal delivery (mom only) cost $9,725 on average; normal newborn was $3,575. 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 along with the state median charge. Or compare hospitals (statewide numbers are not shown in this view); 2019 data. All cities including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Creighton, Norfolk, Kearney. NHA Care Compare is sponsored by the Nebraska Hospital Association. No updates as of April 2022.

Nevada Hospital Inpatient, ER and Ambulatory Surgery 2022 Average Charges Editor's Pick

Find average hospital, ER, and ambulatory surgery charges in Nevada for 2022. Each hospital is listed by name. Nevada Compare Care shows average hospital charges (prices) for every NV inpatient DRG (Diagnosis Related Group), and overall average ER or ambulatory surgery charge. Overall Nevada 3rd quarter 2022 inpatient charge was a whopping $114,693 per stay, or $20,747 per day. Sample DRGs: Psychoses (average $24,696), Normal Newborn ($6,593), uncomplicated vaginal delivery ($32,945), Septicemia ($175,082 for DRG 871), Major hip or knee replacement ($163,524), Cesarean Section ($53,581 without complications).

The number of ER visits in Nevada during full year 2021 was more than one million. Average 3rd quarter 2022 NV emergency room visit charge was $11,214 statewide. Average ER charges ranged from $2,302 average at Banner Churchill Hospital, to $17,936 average at St. Rose Dominican Siena hospital. Statewide average Ambulatory Surgery Center charge was $8,666. No breakout by procedure type is shown. Endoscopy Center average charges are included. Outpatient surgery at a hospital averaged $55,801 in charges. Standard Reports also show case volume by facility. No information about how much was actually paid. NV reports are a joint effort between Center for Health Information Analysis (CHIA) and the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP).

Nevada PricePoint Hospital Inpatient Charges for 2021

Nevada PricePoint Hospital Inpatient Charges for 2021. Find average cost and typical prices for many types of inpatient hospitalizations in NV. Examples: childbirth prices, COPD, heart surgery, pacemaker, stents, hip & knee surgery, digestive problems, psychiatric hospitalization, rehab. Volume and average length of stay in the hospital also given. A normal newborn charge in 2021 averaged $4,830. Most diagnosis types have 2021 prices, but maternity stays were not populated. (Average price for vaginal delivery without complications in Nevada in 2018 [mom only] was a whopping $22,150, 1.9 days average length of stay. The median charge was about the same, for a cost of nearly $12,000 per day. Average c-section 2018 price was $37,000, without complications.) Physician fees are extra and not shown. A psychiatric stay for depression had an average charge of nearly $21,000, average 5.2 days in hospital. (The median charge was $12,600.) Average hip or knee joint replacement had an average cost of $152,973 in Nevada in 2021, with a 2.1 day stay. Get one hospital/one disease or condition at a time, then select other hospitals to compare. Calendar year 2021 charges shown. Sponsored by the Nevada Hospital Association.

Oregon – compare hospital and outpatient surgery costs (2020)

Compare hospital and outpatient surgery costs in Oregon. The most recent data are from 2020 costs. However, only the difficult-to-use Excel files full of data are available from the government OHA – Oregon Health Authority. Click on HOSPITAL PAYMENT REPORTS. Look for the statewide numbers to see median commercial payment across the state. Hospitals with the larger volumes for any given procedure, also show their median cost for both 2020 and 2019. In the past, a set of reports (instead of just the data file) showed the median amount PAID by commercial insurance companies. Costs paid, are after any discounts off charges (prices) have been taken. The file may have more than one line for what appears to be the same procedure. For example, two median costs are shown for Hernia repair – the outpatient surgery cost was close to $11,000 while the inpatient cost was nearly $27,000. Read closely. The user-unfriendly data file was updated June 2022.

If you choose the older Reports (2017 or 2018), select OUTPATIENT SURGERIES Report for same-day procedures such as breast biopsy ($3,302 median paid in 2017), carpal tunnel ($4.313), colonoscopy ($2,383), ambulatory gallbladder surgery ($11,697), hernia repair ($8,605 median paid), knee or shoulder arthroscopy, tonsillectomy ($6,380), tympanostomy (ear tubes $4,680), upper endoscopy, and more. Select INPATIENT Procedures Report to compare hospitals on costs for appendectomy, coronary bypass, kidney removal, inpatient gallbladder surgery or hernia repair, inpatient hip replacement, hysterectomy, angioplasty and more. Select PREGNANCY report to find 2017 maternity costs paid (about $8,400 for normal delivery, $14,838 for uncomplicated c-section and $2,200 for newborns). Compare hospital payments for IMAGING such as CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine tests, ECG, x-ray, bone density studies. Compare amounts paid for RADIATION AND (outpatient) CHEMOTHERAPY infusions or injections. The reports are easier to read, cover a large set of services, and show each hospital’s payment, along with what was paid the year before. Unfortunately, the information in the reports is 5 to 6 years old. When estimating, consider medical inflation which has been about 14% from 2017 to 2022. Hospital costs may have gone up much more than that. Average amount paid for one type of hernia repair surgery, for example, rose more than 9% per year in the past 3 years – to nearly $11,000.

Oregon Hospital Guide to Costs

The Oregon Hospital Guide to Costs lets consumers compare hospitals on 2016 (very old) costs. Compare up to 3 hospitals at a time for inpatient and outpatient surgery procedures, imaging tests, newborn care, chemotherapy and radiation paid by commercial insurance companies or patient-paid amounts. Median amounts paid in 2016 (not charges) are shown for most common outpatient procedures and most common inpatient procedures. Full charges or prices are not shown. Consumers may wish to add minimum medical inflation factor (17%) to guess 2022 costs. Better yet, contact the hospital. Medicare and Medicaid are excluded. Includes maternity & newborn payments, heart care, stents, cardiac cath, hip and knee replacement, many surgery payments such as cataracts, hernia, hysterectomy, kidney removal, gall bladder, breast biopsy, carpal tunnel, mastectomy, tonsillectomy, endoscopy, shoulder surgery, appendectomy. Amounts paid for CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, x-ray and ultrasound; chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Hospitals also list their financial performance measures for 2018 at this website. Such information is also outdated. Site by the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) to meet state requirements, but not particularly relevant in 2022.

Oregon Hospital Infection Ratings

Compare Oregon hospital infection ratings. Two reports are available: staff influenza vaccination rates for the 2018-2019 flu season; and a report on healthcare-acquired infection rates in 2017. The staff vaccination rates are shown for each hospital, ambulatory surgery center, skilled nursing facility and dialysis center. Many facilities did not yet meet the 90% goal; report was published in February 2020. No updates available for 2020, 2021 or 2022, as of April 2022. The healthcare-acquired infection reports (published in 2018) show central line infections (CLABSI), surgical site infections for cardiac bypass (CABG), colon, abdominal hysterectomy, hip prosthesis, knee (replacement) prosthesis, and laminectomy. Reports by OR Health and Human Services (oregon.gov).

Osteoporosis (MedlinePlus) Editor's Pick

Osteoporosis information at MedlinePlus includes Exercise, Prevention, Calcium, Bone Markers, Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Tests. Find information on frequency of spine, forearm, humerus or hip fractures from osteoporosis (see Statistics), medications, links to National Osteoporosis Foundation, and more

Rehabilitation Hospitals – CARF-Accredited Facilities

Find rehabilitation hospitals that are accredited by CARF – The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. CARF offers the ability to do an online search for accredited facilities with specific rehab programs you may be interested in. Select Program Focus to search for Addictions, Brain Injury, Mental Health, Integrated Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health, Opioid Treatment, Spinal Cord, Stroke Specialty Services, and more. Choose Age Group to search for older adult focus or children. Search engine is either simple (just put in state or zip code) or very complicated because of its detailed program choices. Updated 2022.

South Carolina – Compare Hospital Associated Infection Rates (HAIs)

Compare hospital infection rates (HAIs) at South Carolina hospitals. Surgical site infection rates at SC hospitals for colon surgery, hysterectomy (abdominal), hip and knee replacements, and heart bypass (CABG), 2020 data. Central line infections in hospital ICUs, c. difficile and MRSA also shown. Compare hospitals for each type of infection, beginning on page 35. Published November 2021 by South Carolina state Department of Health (DHEC). Also check the list for rates of annual influenza vaccination of healthcare workers in hospitals, in the Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Report published in August. No updates as of Feb. 1, 2023.

South Dakota Hospital Prices – by name of hospital, 2021 costs

Find South Dakota hospital prices (2021 costs), by name of hospital. SD PricePoint shows average inpatient charges and typical (median) prices for 2021 at South Dakota hospitals. View one hospital at a time, or compare to hospitals for the same type of hospitalization. Select additional cities to add comparisons. Average hospital prices across the state are also listed. As an example, the average 2021 price for a vaginal delivery with no other procedures was $11,316 in SD hospitals; average healthy newborn stay was $4,638. Costs exclude doctor fees. All common hospitalizations shown, such as births and maternity delivery, knee replacement (average price about $44,512 minor severity), heart failure, pneumonia, bowel procedures, COPD, angioplasty, inpatient laparoscopic gallbladder removal (average price $52,222 for moderate severity) and much more. Site shows number of cases and length of stay also. Site by SDAHO (South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, the state’s hospital association. Formerly affiliated with PricePoint. Updated in 2022.

Surgeon Scorecard – Knees, Hips, Gallbladder, Spinal Fusion, Prostate Surgery, Medicare 2015

Surgeon Scorecard for knee, hip, gallbladder, spinal fusion and prostate surgery shows complications for each hospital and doctor. It compares individual surgeons’ complication rates (risk-adjusted) for Medicare patients having one of 8 types of inpatient surgery: hip or knee replacement, laparoscopic gallbladder removal, cervical (neck) or lumbar spinal fusion (either posterior or anterior technique), and prostate resection or removal. Analysis by ProPublica looked at billing records from 2009 to 2013. Numbers of cases shown are MEDICARE-ONLY (although the column title omits that point), and require at least 20 cases for a doctor’s rate to be shown. Physician’s rate combines his/her Medicare cases at all hospitals. Website was somewhat controversial in 2015. Tool is easy to use, but it is just a historical snapshot. Unfortunately, data have not been updated by ProPublica.

Texas – Average Cost for Outpatient Procedures – 2020

Find the 2020 average cost (average charge) for outpatient procedures in Texas. The Top 50 by Average Charges Per Procedure shows an average price of $26,259 for a Level II arthroplasty (joint replacement or resurfacing) in 2020. A pacemaker cost about the same. Outpatient cardiac catheterization cost nearly $20,000. Some chemotherapy procedures were as high as $116,000. A cataract removal cost $6,588 on average. A Level 1 mastectomy was over $10,000 in charges. Only the most expensive outpatient procedures are listed, not necessarily the most common high-volume procedures. Add at least 5.2% medical price inflation to estimate 2022 prices. County-level prices are not available. Texas Health Data, from Texas Health Care Information Collection (THCIC).

Texas – Inpatient Care Ratings and Charges in Texas Hospitals

Compare Inpatient Care ratings and average charges for Texas hospitals. At least two dozen separate quality ratings and patient safety ratings include patients of any payer type and pediatric ratings. Compare hospital volumes, mortality (survival rates), and certain utilization rates (i.e. cesarean section, VBAC rate). Survival rates and number of cases for heart attack (AMI), heart failure CHF, stroke, GI hemorrhage, hip fracture, and pneumonia. Select the measure from the drop-down menu in each section to find quality ratings. Volume and death rates provided for heart bypass surgery (CABG), angioplasty (PCI), AAA Repair, esophageal resection, pancreatic resection, and carotid endarterectomy. See if your hospital’s risk-adjusted rate is significantly better or worse than other hospitals. Average inpatient charges for 2019 are also listed. Medical price inflation has been about 9.5% (on average) since 2019. The average cost of a primary C-Section in TX was $19,750, or with price inflation, about $21,623 in 2022 dollars. TX Dept. of State Health Services THCIC. Updated with 2019 data, as of December 2022.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2022-2023: Orthopedics Rankings

Find the best hospitals in orthopedic rankings for 2022-2023, according to usnews.com. 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, volume, nurse staffing, discharge to home, reputation scores, survival rates, and more. Minimum number of Medicare cases: 283 over three years (2018-2020). Published July 2022.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2023-24: Pediatric and Children’s Hospitals

US News & World Report’s top pediatric hospitals for 2023-2024. Best children’s hospitals ranked and rated for pediatric cancer; cardiology and heart surgery; diabetes and endocrinology; gastroenterology (digestive disorders) & GI surgery; neonatology; nephrology (kidney); neurology and neurosurgery; orthopedics; pulmonology (respiratory problems) and lung surgery; and urology. Honor roll of 10 hospitals is led by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Medical Center, (second), and Texas Children’s in Houston (third). Regional pediatric ratings also available. (For example, best children’s hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region was Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.) Ratings called Best Children’s Hospitals updated June 2023. Detailed hospital scores and ranking for individual measures such as survival, are in the Methodology report. Consumers can compare children’s hospital scores side-by-side in Appendix C.

Vermont – 2022 Hospital Report Cards (Act 53)

Vermont 2022 hospital ratings are called Act 53 report cards – 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 the data, including outpatient prices. See if your VT hospital is average, above average, or below average. Health conditions include heart care, pneumonia, surgical infection prevention, central line associated bloodstream infections, c. diff. infections, hysterectomy infections, knee replacement and hip replacement infection rates, volume and death rates, readmissions, psychiatric hospital quality & more. This site permits access to Quality Ratings, Survival Rate information, links to patient satisfaction and current medical prices all on the same web page for easy access. Nurse staffing also available for 2022 for most hospitals. Dates for other reports vary, usually up to 2021 data. Information on prices for some procedures, and services such as physician office visits also available. Published at healthvermont.gov August 2022.

Vermont – Hospital Outpatient Surgery Prices, 2022

How much does outpatient surgery cost in Vermont? To find 2022 prices (the most recent available), see Section called Pricing of Common Services at Community Hospitals.

Tables 2A and 3P let you compare average gross charge (the closest you will get to average cost) for most common ambulatory surgery procedures at 14 general hospitals in VT. Table 3P (Other) Prices is more current, to September 2022, and it includes the physician charge. Hip replacement averaged $38,895 in VT. Knee replacement average cost was over $39,000; knee arthroscopy averaged $14,541. Outpatient gallbladder removal was $17,128 on average. A prostate biopsy was about $4,000. Hernia repair averaged $18,297. A tonsillectomy with adenoid removal in a child under age 12 was $12,618. Cataract prices, carpal tunnel release and more than 20 outpatient procedures are shown. Prices varied by hospital.

Table 2A shows prices for some procedures, 12 months through September 30, 2020 (two to three years old). Here you can find prices for ear tubes (myringotomy), outpatient hysterectomy, bunion removal, lumpectomy and other procedures. This table DOES NOT include the surgeon or other physician fees. Medical inflation has been about 4.7% over the past 2 years, and 9% over 3 years. As with all of Vermont’s reports, the font size is about as small as you can get.

Vermont – Inpatient Hospital Average Prices

2022 Vermont Hospital Report Card shows average inpatient prices (gross charges) for each VT hospital’s most frequent inpatient admissions. Sample average prices include newborn delivery (normal newborn $3,529; newborn with medical problems = $5,455, but over $25,000 if the baby had major problems), cesarean section ($20,000 to $24,000), average cost for vaginal delivery $10,342 without complications; pneumonia; total hip or knee replacement (average $41,000), depression  (average $19,000), psychoses such as schizophrenia (average $39,000), COPD & emphysema, heart failure, chest pain, rehabilitation, heart rhythm problems, back problems, Spinal fusion about $75,000; kidney or urinary tract infection, and other hospital stays. Compare costs on nearly 60 different types of cases, listed by MS-DRG. Compare all hospitals side-by-side in Table 1A; 2019-2020 average charges were published in 2022. Price hikes for 2022 and 2023 are likely.

Virginia Healthcare Prices – ER Visit, Ambulatory Surgery, Test, Hospital Stay Costs

Find Virginia Healthcare Prices for ER visits, ambulatory surgery, tests and hospital stays. This site shows average price ALLOWED (commercial insurance prices) in 2018 for almost 40 common healthcare services in VA. Includes a mix of outpatient, clinic, hospital stays and other services such as an ambulance (median $550) or an emergency helicopter ride ($19,466 which includes average base cost of $14,402 plus mileage). Examples: hospitalizations (maternity), outpatient xray/imaging, CT and MRI tests; colonoscopy, mammogram; inpatient or ambulatory surgery (e.g. hernia, gall bladder, knee replacement, tonsillectomy, kidney stones); and ER or well-child visits (median $126). Shows median and range of costs and provides a breakout by type of cost: facility, surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc. Also shows average price by setting: clinic vs. hospital vs. ambulatory surgical center; and region of Virginia. The median amount allowed for an ER visit (medium, code 99283) was $1,091. The 2020 report shows allowed amounts for each service that you or your insurance plan ACTUALLY PAID in 2018. More relevant than most pricing information, but lags in timeliness. Add at least 12% medical inflation rate to estimate 2022 costs. Virginia Healthcare Pricing Transparency, from Virginia Health Information (VHI), updated June 2020. No new updates as of August, 2022.

Virginia Hospital Charges and Price Estimates – Inpatient & Outpatient

Find estimated hospital inpatient and outpatient charges in Virginia. Check prices for common hospital stays in VA. Topics for many hospitals include costs for childbirth delivery, newborn, C-Section; mental health, depression, psychiatric, alcohol rehab; hip or knee replacement surgery; cardiac cath, pacemaker, valve, stent; pneumonia, rehabilitation, digestive disorders, small or large bowel surgery, back and neck problems, spinal fusion, bone cancer. Use the price estimator tool to find average cost of doctor’s office visit, gall bladder surgery (cholecystectomy), CT or MRI test, psychotherapy visit and many other common outpatient services. Procedure list and hospitalizations may vary for each hospital. The price estimator tools and “standard charges” machine readable file replace the former PricePoint system. Quality scores are no longer linked. No side-by-side comparisons. Consumers may be required to provide their name and personal information for some hospitals. Provided by the VA Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA).

Washington Hospital Quality Ratings and Satisfaction Levels, 2019-2021

Compare WA hospital quality ratings and scores for patient satisfaction (patient opinions); Surgical Infections (cardiac surgery, orthopedics, hysterectomy, colon); other infections (CLABSI, CAUTI); some maternity measures; Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia, Stroke, Surgery (including hip and knee complications), readmissions,  Mortality (survival) data for heart care and pneumonia; and more. Consumers can find some of this information at the federal Hospital Compare site. Here all hospital ratings are side-by-side and are easier to see. Data periods may vary from the federal site. Most data are calendar year 2019. Some Emergency Care measures (such as average 24 minutes before patients see a doctor or nurse) reflect older data (2017-2018), since this measure is no longer used. Click on “More Info” to see scores for all hospitals in the state quickly. This website is very easy to use and to read. No updates as of April 2022. Washington State Hospital Association site.

Wisconsin – Ambulatory Surgery Facility Charges, 2021

How much does outpatient surgery cost in WI?  Compare Wisconsin ambulatory surgery facility charges (prices) for 2021 for each hospital and freestanding ambulatory surgery center. Find average 2021 charges for 20 common ambulatory surgery procedures, such as Colonoscopy (5 codes), Endoscopy, Angiography, Spinal Injection, Cataract & Lens ($7,916 average), Dental Surgery procedure (average $8,012), Total knee replacement (arthroplasty) average price $41,321 (up 4.5%); outpatient Knee surgery/arthroscopy $13,130 (up 5.9%), Carpal Tunnel $7,738 (up 6.8%) and more. For colonoscopy, a less-frequent Colorectal Cancer Screening, or colonoscopy for a patient that is NOT high risk (code G0121) had an average charge of $3,876 (up 4%) in 2021. However, the two most common colonoscopy procedures had an average charge of about $6,300. Number of procedures for each hospital and surgical center are shown for top 20 only. Go to the Overview report for a longer list of 40 procedures including gall bladder removal [laparoscopic cholecystectomy at $21,370 (up 8.8%) average statewide cost], ear tubes, and hernia repair. Prices do NOT include surgeon and physician fees, which may cost thousands of dollars and could double prices shown. Consumers should add medical inflation to estimate 2022 facility prices. Health Care Data Report 2021 by WHA Information Center, published 2022.

Wisconsin CheckPoint – Hospital Ratings and Patient Opinions Editor's Pick

Wisconsin CheckPoint helps you compare hospital quality performance and patient opinion ratings for 127 hospitals in WI. Topics: Birth and C-Section delivery, infections, readmissions; deaths (mortality) data, patient satisfaction, patient safety. Many conditions are rated, such as heart attack, heart failure, CABG and PTCA; pneumonia, surgical post-op infections, hip and knee surgery, vascular, colon surgery and hysterectomy; COPD, pneumonia; patient safety problems such as falls and pressure ulcers.

Also see how many patients would definitely recommend the hospital. (Ratings are listed under Patient Experience.) Compare hospitals on how many patients “understood their care when they left hospital”. Statewide, only 56% said they understood their care during 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2021, down 2 points from 2019. Eighteen (18) hospitals had fewer than half their patients understanding their care when they left the hospital: Marshfield Medical Center (hospitals in Marshfield, Neillsville, Beaver Dam, Rice Lake and Weston); Beloit Health System, Ascension hospitals (St. Francis and Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, All Saints Racine, Ozaukee, Mequon), Reedsburg Medical Center, Mayo Clinic Oakridge in Osseo, HSHS St. Nicholas in Sheboygan, Aspirus hospitals (Medford Portage and Rhinelander), Froedert in Kenosha and ThedaCare in New London. Statewide, 29 hospitals significantly under-performed (one-star) on this measure compared to the state average.

Congratulations goes to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington, for achieving 100% healthcare staff influenza vaccination during the 2021-2022 season. At the other end of the spectrum, Hudson Hospital & Clinic came in at an abysmal and embarrassing 41% staff vaccination rate. Ten other hospitals may have been in that low range also, since they chose not to publicly report.

Rankings are shown by stars (one, two, or 3 stars), and consumers can switch to numbers by clicking ‘Show Rates”. Many individual measures reflect 2021-2022 scores. Long-term trends lines are shown for each hospital, measure by measure, and the number of cases for that illness or surgery. Wisconsin Hospital Association makes quarterly updates. WHA receives Editor’s Pick for going beyond CMS measures, for showing all hospitals side-by-side, consumer ease in getting a free overall quality report for one hospital, staying current, and showing comparisons to the benchmark best in the state. Updated 2022.

Wisconsin Hospitals PricePoint (Average Inpatient Prices)

Wisconsin PricePoint tool shows average hospital price, median charge and length of stay for common inpatient services. Full year 2021 prices are shown. Hospitalizations include maternity and newborn births, hip or knee replacement surgery, gallbladder removal, heart surgery, angioplasty, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), valves, cardiac cath, pacemaker, pneumonia, bipolar and other mental health, stroke, back care, asthma, COPD, rehab; kidney, heart, lung or other transplant; hysterectomy, prostate surgery, bowel surgery & more. Dates are not shown on the consumer version of the PricePoint tool. (See dates by going through the professional tool, from the Home page.)  Also shows inpatient volumes if you click on more detail. Median price for a uncomplicated vaginal delivery in 2021, with normal newborn care was just over $16,000 total (about $12,000 for mom and $4,000 for baby). From WHA Information Center, part of the Wisconsin Hospital Association WHA Information Center. Updated Apr. 2022.

Surgeon and other physician fees NOT included. Wisc. Hospital Assn. created the PricePoint System now used in other states. This version of Pricepoint has been modified to be payer-specific, so consumers can get a better idea of average cost. Gross charges (sticker price) should be the same for all patients who have identical care. Must watch a video before proceeding to see the prices; you may also need specific medical information about the procedure in order to select the price you are interested in.

Wisconsin PricePoint – Outpatient & Ambulatory Surgery Cost

Find average cost for outpatient and ambulatory surgery in 2021, from Wisconsin PricePoint. Compare outpatient and ambulatory surgery volume and charges for colonoscopy, cataracts, eardrum surgery, shoulder or knee surgery, carpal tunnel surgery, removal of tonsils & adenoids, appendectomy, breast biopsy, endoscopy, gallbladder (cholecystectomy), upper GI, heart catheterization and more. Compare hospitals and surgical centers. Typical (median) price in county and statewide Wisconsin median prices shown, but no dates are provided on the consumer site. Must use the healthcare professionals site to see the dates and the number of procedures done at each hospital; 2021 prices are shown. Prices exclude surgeon and other doctors’ fees which may double the numbers you see here

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