WellSpan Health today announced the next step in the health system’s price transparency efforts with the launch of a new online price estimator tool that can help patients obtain out-of-pocket estimates for tests and procedures before they receive treatment.
“We know healthcare needs to be more affordable and easier to use and that’s what drives us, each and every day, to reimagine healthcare,” said Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health. “Our new price estimator tool delivers on WellSpan’s promise of providing greater value to our friends and neighbors through a commitment to high-quality care, exceptional patient experiences and lower costs.”
WellSpan’s price estimator tool gives patients the power to search from a menu of services, or by typing in the medical code, to obtain estimates for common medical, surgical and diagnostic testing procedures. This includes lab work for blood panels, CT scans, ultrasounds, mammograms, X-rays and cardiovascular procedures.
“Price estimation is part of our commitment to be transparent about our patients’ out-of-pocket costs prior to services, and to improve their experience with us,” said Nakesha Muldrow, vice president, Access and Scheduling. “This tool allows our patients to financially plan for upcoming services at WellSpan Health, truly making us a trusted healthcare partner.”
Patients who are interested in an estimate for these services can use their MyWellSpan patient portal, where insurance information is pre-selected based on their account. Insurance information can be changed, if necessary. Even patients who do not have a MyWellSpan account can request an estimate as a guest.
Patients can also speak to a financial counselor by phone at 1-833-4-MYCOST at Financial counselors are also available to provide estimates, help patients understand their potential out-of-pocket costs, answer questions and provide information on financial assistance by calling.
“We want our patients to have the tools they need to make the most informed healthcare decisions,” explained Muldrow. “Whether obtaining an estimate online, or if your preference is picking up the phone and talking to someone, WellSpan is committed to making the process easy and convenient.”
The price estimator tool provides estimates for out-of-pocket costs for both the hospital and professional components associated with the anticipated service. Professional services, if billed by an independent provider, are also included and described as amounts that will not be collected by WellSpan. Out-of-pocket costs vary based on patients’ health insurance plans.
To view a video about the cost estimator process, click here. For more information, visit WellSpan.org/Cost.