Naperville, Ill.-based Edward-Elmhurst Health is providing patients with healthcare pricing information via its newly launched online cost-estimator tool.
In a news release, the system said the tool is part of its broader effort to increase transparency and is accessible via smartphone, tablet and laptop/desktop computer.
"Hospitals have notoriously been behind on pricing transparency compared to other industries," Edward-Elmhurst CEO Mary Lou Mastro said. "We owe it to our customers to take the mystery out of the process and provide this information so they can make more informed decisions for their healthcare."
Patients using the tool first indicate a care location, such as Edward Hospital, followed by their insurance status. They subsequently choose a service category and procedure before receiving an estimated out-of-pocket cost.
Edward-Elmhurst said cost estimates are currently available for MRIs, CT scans, computed tomographic angiography, ultrasounds, X-rays, cardiac testing, mammographies, bone density testing and lab services. However, cost estimates for inpatient stays, observation stays/visits, emergency room visits, Immediate Care visits or professional fees are not. The system notes the online cost estimator tool will be updated with additional tests and procedures as they become available.