Proof that a picture is worth 1,000 words. I wonder how the American Hospital Association will try and explain this all away as a "deep fake" and point the finger at others. I love the following adage: Figures don't lie, liars figure May 29, 2008 — The quote is commonly attributed to Mark Twain. It means that the numbers themselves do not lie, but that people who wish to lie can manipulate ... The AHA are master manipulators of facts and misdirection that is bankrupting Americans. We need to have intellectually honest conversations and not deflect accountability. We need solutions not excuses for a high-value health care delivery system that is high quality and affordable for all. Vivian HoStacy MaysStacy MaysJeffrey HoganChris DeaconGe BaiShawn GremmingerMichael ThomsonNational Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser CoalitionsDan BurkeChris SkisakStacey RichterDavid ContornoLarry BeckerScott Conard, MDElizabeth MitchellMichelle T. HayesJanice Cohen
It's the hospital prices, stupid! (inside joke for health policy wonks) This graph is from my newest paper, with Rice econ PhD student Salpy Kanimian.
If we had three things the dynamic would change. First, site neutrality payments and either get rid of facility fees or allow all providers (including small private businesses) to get facility fees. This would create an environment for fair reimbursement and competition. Second, stop allowing hospitals to not only self refer but stop hospitals from forcing (as a part of employment agreements) and/or strong arming providers to only refer in their hospital network. Third, force hospital networks to use true cost accounting when referencing “losses” instead of allowing them to call any reimbursement less than their usual and customary charges a loss. This would encourage usage of high quality smaller practices focused on quality intead of high volume networks focusing on volume. For the record, if everyone was paid a fare rate this would cover normal overhead and remove the need for facility fees. It would also get rid of the multilevel middle level managers who provide little true benefit to healthcare deliver and are only there to maximize profits.
I thought the increased income from ACA coverage and Medicaid expansion would keep rates lower?
Just saw this today. Insufferable. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/legal-regulatory-issues/hackensack-meridian-sues-hhs-secretary-in-wake-of-chevron-ruling.html
Kind of Good News: Bad News with AHA. With "Democracy at stake" as the #1 November 6th Issue for both Parties, the much needed AHA Lobby Money ensures 0 Change/Reform before the end of the 1st Qtr 2025. Good News is that National and LinkedIn Healthcare Delivery and Payment Reform proponents, like NAHPC, have 6 months to Strategically create and Lobby for a Solution to overcome AHA and present it locally to all 435 Congressional Representatives!
Can we ask her to put PBM pricing on the graph also? And finally maybe primary care reimbursement...... #PrimaryCareForAllAmericans
AHA doesn't get enough credit for inflating the cost of care. Insurance companies, pharmaceuticals and ironically doctors all get called out regularly, but the AHA often avoids criticism. Thanks for the share. Going to check it out!
Peter Hayes Thank you for your ongoing advocacy for the American consumer! #AffordableHealthCareForAll
Nice reference to Ken Thorpe's paper!
So my only question is if this chart is based on billed charges and not allowed, since almost no one pays billed charges,