In accordance with new requirements from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) [FY 2019 IPPS/LTCH PPS Final Rule; CMS-1694-F], effective January 1, 2019, all hospitals must make public a list of standard charges from their “hospital charge master”in a machine-readable format.
Guthrie County Hospital’s “charge master” includes hundreds of charges for procedures, laboratory testing, pharmaceuticals and professional services. However, it does not include the many charges that could be associated with tests or treatments.
A charge represents the dollar amount assigned to specific medical services before application of any negotiated discounts to insurance payers or applicable self-pay discounts. The actual hospital charges will vary based on type of care provided, treatments, individual health conditions and other factors. Professional fees for services provided by independent practitioners, such as your primary care provider, surgeon, radiologist, pathologist, anesthesiologist, or other specialist are not included in the “charge master” lists.
For example, our mammography screening charge is $502 but a radiologist is required to review this screening. An additional charge may potentially be generated for this service provided by their company.
Other circumstances that can impact actual costs include:
- Level of care or service
- Surgery or recovery circumstances, such as length of time
- Equipment, supplies and medications required
- Additional tests required by your provider
- Unexpected conditions or complications
Therefore, charges vary by each patient experience and level of service. You should consult with your primary provider and other service providers about their charges. You should always contact your insurance provider for specific information about coverage under your specific health plan.
We understand that all of this can be confusing and difficult for patients to use efficiently. We therefore strongly recommend you use these lists as a guide and, if you have further questions, to please call our business office at 641-332-3823, where a billing specialist can help you through the process of finding the best estimate of charges for services required for your good health.
By clicking to download this information you agree you have read and understand the above.
Click here to download the hospital’s current standard charge.
*Charge information is subject to change. The information contained in the file is current as of January 1, 2019.