Transparency needed in medical pricing

The recent article on health care insurance seems spotty and does not deal with transparency in pricing of expensive procedure shopping that may help control the rising premiums.

A recent article stated that in 2015, many insurance companies plan to offer consumer-directed plans. Great thought - let's get consumers involved.

Well, what if consumers know they want a car or refrigerator, but do not know the price. Then how can they choose?

One Chicago person was quoted as saying that he got an average price for a colonoscopy of $3,500. Well, the range of prices vary in Chicago. In frustration, he went to Oregon for the procedure rather going even to Geneva, Illinois, where he could get a colonoscopy for a similar total cost from a better qualified doctor with anesthesia given by a certified professional.

We need more transparency in tests like MRI or procedures cost to help consumers choose and thus lower their premiums. Many independent doctors and surgeons are now offering surgeries at much lower cost, thus blunting Obamacare.

Tarun Mullick

Geneva