Medicare price initiative examined

At some point within the next few weeks, Medicare will post detailed information on the prices it pays hospitals for some procedures on the Web. The move is part of the administration's much-discussed drive to improve transparency in the healthcare industry and encourage consumers to comparison shop. The data, which will appear on Medicare.gov, will include prices the government pays to providers in six metropolitan areas. Hospitals continue to argue that the information is likely to be misinterpreted by consumers, but it appears they will have to find a way to deal with the challenge. Activists say the data will help them fight for lower prices for the uninsured.

- see this article from The Washington Post

PLUS: The American Medical Association kicked off its annual campaign against cuts to physician Medicare reimbursement rates. Article