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Dialysis Facility Compare from medicare.gov Editor's Pick

Compare services and ratings on kidney dialysis facilities in any state or US territory, by Medicare.gov. Compare kidney dialysis centers from Fresenius FMC, DaVita, US Renal Care, American Renal Associates, Dialysis Clinic, Satellite Healthcare, Mayo, and more. They are all here. Quality measures show relative survival among facilities and quality of care provided to Medicare patients at hospital-sponsored centers, nonprofit and for-profit dialysis centers. Patient satisfaction results also shown for each dialysis center. Time periods covered were not readily disclosed. Resources on kidney failure and end stage renal disease (ESRD) also linked. Updated April 27, 2022. Part of the CareCompare services from the federal government.

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.

Chronic Kidney Disease Rises to 30 million in US; most people unaware

Chronic Kidney Disease Rises to 30 million in US. Most people are unaware, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Prevention and Control). This fact sheet states that 30 million people constitutes about 15% of US population, with the vast majority (96%) of people having no idea they have chronic kidney disease (CKD) in its early to mid-stages. Such prevalence leads to more dialysis and kidney transplants. If sizable efficiency improvements don’t happen, and the incidence of kidney failure continues to rise, look for rising health insurance premiums. Published 2017.

Diabetic Kidney Problems and Dialysis (MedlinePlus)

Information on diabetic kidney problems and dialysis from MedlinePlus (ad-free). Kidney damage from diabetes, called diabetic nephropathy, begins before you show symptoms. Diabetes is listed as the most common cause of kidney failure in the US – for which people require kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant. Learn about the connection between diabetes and ending up on renal dialysis

Financial Assistance for Kidney Dialysis Patients (AKF)

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) may be able to provide financial assistance with kidney dialysis costs. Patients with kidney failure may qualify for help with health insurance premiums. Safety Net Grants may also be available for financial help with out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance. An example is transportation for dialysis or kidney failure costs.

Kidney & Urologic Diseases List of Topics and Titles

A comprehensive list of kidney and urologic disease topics from the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Consumer-friendly information on topics such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis, hemodialysis, kidney stones, transplants, urinary tract infection

Kidney Disease and Diabetes

Learn about the connection between diabetes and kidney disease through this NIH Fact Sheet on Diabetic Kidney Disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. About 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease. Updated 2019

National Kidney Foundation: Kidney Stones

National Kidney Foundation overview of kidney stones. Includes information on causes of kidney stones, symptoms, lithotripsy and more. Toll-free number 1-855-653-2273

Transplant Waiting List Editor's Pick

Waiting list numbers of people waiting for a transplant: Kidney, pancreas, liver, intestine, heart, lung transplants. In May 2022, about 90,000 people were waiting for a kidney (18,000 in California alone) and 11,000 for a liver. Survival rates shown by age, sex and ethnicity.

Trends in Organ Transplants 2023

One-page summary on number of organ transplants and grafts done in the US year-to-date 2023. Trends from 1988 to present, updated monthly. Altogether, 42,888 transplants were done in the US in 2022, the highest number ever. Transplants were up 3.7% from the prior year. Latest report shows 25,499 kidney transplants were done in 2022, up 3.4% from 2021. Next most common was liver transplants (9,528 in 2022, up 3.2% from 2021.) Survival rates can also be found at this site by OPTN, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, 2023.

What are the 5 Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease? Relationship to Diabetes and Hypertension?

Diabetes and hypertension are the two most common causes of end stage renal disease (ESRD). The five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are outlined here. It describes how CKD progresses toward kidney failure, resulting in end-stage renal disease. If you want to avoid kidney dialysis, this site shows you the steps you need to take early on, including managing your diabetes and high blood pressure. It also explains estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR. Information from the American Kidney Fund. Updated October 2022.

Annual Report of Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease 2022

Annual Report of Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease 2022. The information is fairly technical, with statistics (e.g. mortality) for CKD and ESRD. The charts are online. The 2022 Annual Data Report is published by the US Renal Data System (USRDS). It is based on information primarily from 2020. Thus the effects of Covid-19 show in the data and increased deaths.

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.

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.

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.

How much does an organ transplant cost? (2020)

How much does an organ transplant cost in the US? Get ready to see some large numbers for the average charges of an organ transplant in 2020 dollars. The most common transplant – cornea – averages $32,500 in estimated billed charges. Kidney transplant estimated at $442,500 for the entire process, including surgeon fees and drugs. Costs are calculated from 30 days pre-transplant, to 6 months post-transplant discharge. Summary table of cost breakdown is shown. The detailed report shows autologous bone marrow transplant at $471,600, bone marrow-allogenic at $1,071,700 (up 20% since 2017), liver transplant at $878,400, and heart transplant at $1,664,800. Multiple organ transplants easily top an estimated $1 million, or $2.6M for heart-lung or kidney-heart.) By Transplant Living, a project of the nonprofit United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), organization that maintains the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under contract with HRSA. Report by Milliman was published January 2020.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pennsylvania Hospital Performance Report 2021 | PHC4 Editor's Pick

Find hospital performance reports in Pennsylvania for 2021, through PHC4. Compare PA hospitals on Mortality Rating (relative survival rate), Average Charge (price), and Readmission rates. Thirteen (13) conditions in the reports include heart failure, abnormal heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, intestinal obstruction, COPD, diabetes, kidney failure, urinary tract infections, sepsis, blood clot in lung, chest pain, and respiratory failure. As an example, there were 57,037 sepsis cases in Pennsylvania in 2020-2021, with an average mortality rate of 10.9%. (In the prior year report, those with Covid were separated. The sepsis patients with Covid, led to a 27.9% mortality rate in the prior year). The average charge for Sepsis was $73,112. (In a separate report, you can find that Medicare most often paid an average $12,830 for sepsis.) About 18% were readmitted. There were 24 hospitals that had worse mortality than expected for sepsis; and 18 hospitals that had significantly lower mortality than expected. Symbols for Mortality ratings can be confusing – a higher mortality rating means worse survival. Older reports may have laparoscopic gallbladder removal information and pneumonia information. No orthopedic (hip or knee) surgery included. Data from Oct. 2020 to Sept. 2021, published by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4), December 2022.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2022-2023: Urology Rankings

Find the best hospitals for urology, according to the rankings by usnews.com for 2022-2023. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and Cleveland Clinic lead the Urology list of 50 best hospitals from US News & World Report. List uses Medicare data from 2018-2020, reputation and other factors; includes cases of prostatectomy, TURP, kidney stones and other urologic surgery. Minimum 69 Medicare cases over 3 years.

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.

usnews.com High Performing Hospitals for Kidney Failure

US News and World Report’s discontinued its best hospital list for nephrology (kidney disease) in the 2021-2022 rankings. Instead, it lists hundreds (if not thousands) of hospitals that are high performing (vs. average, or below average) in treating kidney failure. Last checked July 2022.

Utah Hospital Infection Rates and Dialysis Center Infections

Compare 2020 infection rates at Utah hospitals and dialysis centers. The website from the Utah Department of Health shows whether the hospital or dialysis facility is:

About the same infection rate as the national average, or
If it is statistically better with fewer infections (green), or
If it is worse, with statistically more infections (red).

Most facilities are no different from the national aggregate data. For 2020, compare infections for Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), Surgical site infections (SSIs) for colon surgeries and abdominal hysterectomy surgeries, Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia infections, and Dialysis infections. The only facility with statistically more infections in 2020 than the national comparison was Ogden Regional Medical Center for Central Line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). A few facilities were statistically better, with fewer infections. In addition to long term acute care facilities (LTACs), inpatient rehab facilities are also included in the report. Published March 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.

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.