Healthcare prices increased 1.9 percent from Oct. 2010 to Oct. 2011, according to a report by Altarum Institute released on Dec. 8.
According to the report, prescription drug prices experienced the most inflation — up 4.2 percent for the 12 months. Hospital prices grew by 1.9 percent, and physician prices were up 1.3 percent. Home health care prices grew the least, at 0.5 percent. The 12-month growth rates are lower than the previous 12 months for most categories, and particularly for physician services, nursing home care and other personal health care, according to the report.
Medicare Growth Rate Increases at All-Time Low 1.97%
According to the report, prescription drug prices experienced the most inflation — up 4.2 percent for the 12 months. Hospital prices grew by 1.9 percent, and physician prices were up 1.3 percent. Home health care prices grew the least, at 0.5 percent. The 12-month growth rates are lower than the previous 12 months for most categories, and particularly for physician services, nursing home care and other personal health care, according to the report.
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Study: Hospital Mergers Bring on Higher Costs for Private Payors, EmployersMedicare Growth Rate Increases at All-Time Low 1.97%