By Juanice Gray, jgray@natchitochestimes.com
Published Jan. 14, 2021
Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, every hospital in the United States must publish “clear, accessible pricing information online about the items and services they provide,” according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The federal Department of Health and Human Services rule states that the information has two requirements. First, a computer must be able to process the online file data. Second, the information must be presented in a consumer-friendly manner.
An Internet price-estimator tool is allowed as an alternative, with further information encouraged
The items and services information must be posted on a public website, must be available free of charge and must not request personal information, registration, an account or a password.
An annual update is required.
