Prices for hospital services grew by 2 percent in October after staying relatively steady throughout 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics latest Consumer Price Index report.
The increase between hospital prices in September and October represent the highest month-to-month growth so far this year. Previously, the highest price increase — 1.9 percent — occurred in April.
In addition to the hospital price increase, the price index for prescription drugs rose 0.1 percent, while the physicians' services index was unchanged.
Inpatient hospital prices rose by 2.3 percent in October, compared with a 1.7 percent raise in prices for outpatient care.