As consumers take on more responsibility for the costs of their own care, they're going to demand more information about what healthcare services will cost them, according to the results of a study released this week.
More than half of 1,000 consumers responding to the survey said knowing what hospitals and physicians charge for specific treatments, and understanding what part of that bill insurers would pay, would influence them in making a decision on where they receive care.
The survey was commissioned by The PNC Financial Services Group Inc., a Pittsburgh-based financial services provider to the healthcare industry.
"Competitive market forces and a demand for transparency may ultimately determine the future landscape for healthcare," said Paula Fryland, executive vice president and manager of PNC's national healthcare group.
Consumers, especially those enrolled in high-deductible health plans, are paying more attention to their healthcare bills. Six out of 10 respondents said their families have become more conscious of healthcare costs, and 22 percent said they compare physicians' and hospitals' costs to find the best value.
However, respondents noted that finding reliable cost information is difficult. The PNC survey found that one-third of respondents have trouble understanding the explanation of benefits that their insurers send them to tell them who's paying what for their care. About a quarter of respondents have trouble getting answers from their insurers about the status of a medical claim. A third of respondents said they contacted their health plan at least once in the past year to resolve a claim issue.
"While people may be willing to pay, they become more selective about procedures and providers, shopping around for the best bargain or the right combination of price and quality that their wallets can bear," Fryland said.