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Saturday, May 29, 2004
Hospitals fail to offer consumers a price list
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LEWISTON — Many Maine hospitals have failed to comply with a state law that requires them to post a price list for the most commonly performed procedures, the Maine People's Alliance said Friday. Under provisions of the Dirigo Health legislation enacted last year, hospitals must maintain such a price list, produce it on request and post a statement about its availability. In a "report card" based on visits to 36 major hospitals, the Maine People's Alliance said 60 percent got a grade of C or worse, indicating that a price list was not readily available. The survey was conducted by more than 30 volunteers from the citizens' group, who visited their local hospitals in the past three months. "These grades don't have to be permanent indicators, and many volunteers were indeed told that the hospital was working on compiling the information," Julia Simpson of Auburn said in a statement released by the alliance. "But there is no reason why a patient should not be handed a list of common prices when they ask for it. Hospitals need to comply with the law because we have a right to know, and the time for excuses is over," Simpson said. The Maine Hospital Association said the report does not reflect current hospital practices or the commitment of hospitals to provide pricing information to consumers who request it. "We stand ready to work with any group to ensure that consumers are receiving requested pricing information," the association said in a prepared statement. "We recommend that individuals interested in obtaining this information request to speak with the hospital's business office."
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