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A Rule-Based Solution to Opaque Medical Billing in the U.S.

Christopher A Bobier
Published in: The Journal of law, medicine & ethics : a journal of the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics (2024)
Patients and physicians do not know the cost of medical procedures. Opaque medical billing thus contributes to exorbitant, rising medical costs, burdening the healthcare system and individuals. After criticizing two proposed solutions to the problem of opaque medical billing, I argue that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should pursue a rule requiring that patients be informed by the physician of a reasonable out-of-pocket expense estimate for non-urgent procedures prior to services rendered.
Keyphrases
  • healthcare
  • primary care
  • end stage renal disease
  • newly diagnosed
  • ejection fraction
  • emergency department
  • prognostic factors
  • peritoneal dialysis
  • mental health
  • affordable care act