New Edition of Consumer Guide to Healthcare Prices Is Published
The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) has published an updated version of its consumer guide to healthcare prices. The 2015 edition of Understanding Healthcare Prices: A Consumer Guide includes a new section designed to help consumers assess healthcare quality. “When making healthcare decisions, consumers should take both price and quality into account,” said HFMA president and CEO Joseph J. Fifer, FHFMA, CPA. “Although a great deal of quality information is available, it’s not always consumer-friendly. The updated guide offers tips that can help consumers find and sort through quality information.”
The first edition of the guide was developed through a collaboration among groups representing consumers, hospitals and health systems, physicians, and health plans. In addition to providing quality information, the guide offers a step-by-step process for consumers to obtain price estimates. It is also designed for consumers who wish to comparison shop or to better manage their out-of-pocket expenses.
Since publication of the first edition in 2014, the report has been downloaded or distributed to hundreds of healthcare organizations throughout the country. Organizations that interact with healthcare consumers are encouraged to visit www.hfma.org/consumerguide, download the report in PDF format, and make it available to consumers as an educational resource. HFMA disseminates this report electronically as a public service. No permission is needed for electronic redistribution.
Karen Thomas
Healthcare Financial Management Association
(708) 492-3377
kthomas@hfma.org
About HFMA
With more than 40,000 members, the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) is the nation's premier membership organization for healthcare finance leaders. HFMA builds and supports coalitions with other healthcare associations and industry groups to achieve consensus on solutions for the challenges the U.S. healthcare system faces today. Working with a broad cross-section of stakeholders, HFMA identifies gaps throughout the healthcare delivery system and bridges them through the establishment and sharing of knowledge and best practices. We help healthcare stakeholders achieve optimal results by creating and providing education, analysis, and practical tools and solutions. Our mission is to lead the financial management of health care. hfma.org
