Pricing Transparency Last Updated: June 28, 2024
Pricing transparency is our goal and the pricing information provided by this website is strictly an estimate of prices, and Topeka ER & Hospital cannot guarantee the accuracy of any estimates. Pricing estimates may vary from patient to patient due to unforeseen complications, the number of tests or procedures performed, and non-hospital related charges, any of which may increase the ultimate cost of the services provided. Prospective patients should understand that a final bill for services rendered at Topeka ER & Hospital may differ from the information provided by this website.
What Is Pricing Transparency?
Each hospital must make public on the internet a list of the hospital’s standard charges for items and services provided by the hospital. In addition, hospitals are required to provide a searchable consumer friendly display of the most common “shoppable services” that could be utilized for cost estimates to help consumers make more informed decisions.
Standard Charges
Topeka ER & Hospital is required to make available a Standard Charge File for consumers to review that includes the five different types of charges defined below.
- Gross Charge: The full price listed on the hospital chargemaster. Gross charges can vary from hospital to hospital for the same procedure or service based on factors like hospital location, the kinds of services the facility typically provides, and the expertise required to deliver the services.
- Discounted Cash Price: The price offered to patients who pay on their own without third-party insurance coverage.
- Payer-Specific Negotiated Charge: The charge a hospital has negotiated with a third-party payer for an item or service, which can vary based on your coverage and specific plan. You’ll sometimes see this referred to as the “allowed amount” on an insurer’s Explanation of Benefits.
- De-identified Minimum Negotiated Charge: The lowest charge a hospital has negotiated for an item or service across all insurers.
- De-identified Maximum Negotiated Charge: The highest charge a hospital has negotiated for an item or service across all insurers.
Shoppable Service Cost Estimates
Hospitals are required to provide a consumer-friendly display of the most common “shoppable services” that can provide you with cost estimates for specific services to support you in making informed decisions about your care and its cost. CMS wants you to be able to price shop for a specific hospital service and schedule it at a time that is convenient for you.
We support all efforts to improve your health care shopping experience and to provide cost estimates for services that inform your decision making.