The Washington Post 
(10/25) reports advice from John Santa, director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center, who tells patients to "let your doctor know that cost matters." He adds that "having a good relationship with a doctor can also be helpful if you wind up in a dispute with a hospital or other health-care provider, since your doctor can go to bat for you to dispute the costs." He points out that "you can look up the going rate in your area for many services at www.healthcarebluebook.com." Further, "ask whether you, too, might get a reduced rate for items that are not covered by your policy." He mentions "the reputable groups that, for a fee, can help to reduce the size of medical bills, such as Medical Cost Advocate (www.medicalcostadvocate.com)." Finally, he advises, "Don't hesitate to ask for the price upfront and get it in writing."
(10/25) reports advice from John Santa, director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center, who tells patients to "let your doctor know that cost matters." He adds that "having a good relationship with a doctor can also be helpful if you wind up in a dispute with a hospital or other health-care provider, since your doctor can go to bat for you to dispute the costs." He points out that "you can look up the going rate in your area for many services at www.healthcarebluebook.com." Further, "ask whether you, too, might get a reduced rate for items that are not covered by your policy." He mentions "the reputable groups that, for a fee, can help to reduce the size of medical bills, such as Medical Cost Advocate (www.medicalcostadvocate.com)." Finally, he advises, "Don't hesitate to ask for the price upfront and get it in writing." GAO Report Finds Getting An Estimate Of Medical Costs Is Difficult. The Wall Street Journal (10/25, Radnofsky) "Health Blog" reports that, according to a study from the GAO, it is difficult for consumers to get an accurate estimate of the cost of medical treatments. The 19 hospitals included in the study generally offered a wide range of potential costs, or said they could not provide an estimate without additional information. The GAO report concluded, "This lack of health care price transparency presents a serious challenge for consumers who are increasingly being asked to pay a greater share of their health care costs."
(10/25, Radnofsky) "Health Blog" reports that, according to a study from the GAO, it is difficult for consumers to get an accurate estimate of the cost of medical treatments. The 19 hospitals included in the study generally offered a wide range of potential costs, or said they could not provide an estimate without additional information. The GAO report concluded, "This lack of health care price transparency presents a serious challenge for consumers who are increasingly being asked to pay a greater share of their health care costs." 
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