PA releases hospital-specific cardiac surgery costs

The state of Pennsylvania has released a new cardiac surgery performance report which for the first time includes hospital-specific payment data. According to the report, which was issued by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, the average payment for heart bypass procedures by commercial health plans was $30,247, and for valve-only procedures $41,651 during 2005. Medicare paid $29,175 for bypasses and $42, 433 for valve-only procedures. The state's hospital association praised the report, though it suggested that in the future, the data should be risk-adjusted to account for differences in a patient's health status.

To find out more about the report:
- read this Philadelphia Business Journal item

ALSO: According to one analysis, the PA study proves that higher prices don't necessarily translate to higher-quality care. Article

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