California healthcare cost transparency laws are seriously lacking, according to a new national study released Monday, which looked at how much health care pricing information is readily available to consumers.
(Find the study attached to the right.)
California received a "D" for its overall legislative effort toward price transparency for health care, according to the report. Thirty-six states received a "D" or "F" and only 14 got a grade of "C" or better. Massachusetts and New Hampshire were the only states to receive an "A."
The study graded each state on a set of criteria, awarding more points to states with laws requiring health care cost information be posted on a website. States received less points if their laws require the information be released in a public report, be made available on request or only require release to a specific state agency.
The report card was released by Catalyst for Payment Reform and the Health Care Incentives Improvement Institute, non-profit advocacy organizations representing doctors, patients and employers.
In Hermosa Beach, the going rate for individual psychotherapy in an office for 45-50 minutes costs $210; a seasonal flu vaccination is $37 per dose in a physician's office and $30 at a walk-in or convenience clinic; a 5-minute doctor's visit is $47 for an established patient and $211 for a "moderate or higher problem(s) requiring counseling and treatment, possibly coordination of care with other providers-- approximately 25 minutes with the doctor."
