Spectrum Health Posts Average Charges Online.

Health System is Among the First in Michigan and the U.S. to Provide Consumers Online Charge Information

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Spectrum Health announced today that it is posting estimated average charges for about 200 Spectrum Health Grand Rapids adult procedures to its Web site, www.spectrum-health.org/averagecharges. This is in response to increasing interest from consumers about health care charges.

"Spectrum Health is committed to helping consumers make important decisions about their health care," said Richard C. Breon, president & CEO, Spectrum Health. "By posting charges for many of our common procedures online we are taking the lead in making this information available to our patients, allowing them to be fully informed."

Federal and state governments as well as the health care industry are exploring ways to make charge information available to the public. Posting average charges online is consistent with Spectrum Health's commitment to transparency and educating consumers about health care. Clinical quality data has been posted on the Spectrum Health Web site since January, and is updated and expanded quarterly. Financial information also is posted quarterly.

In the initial phase, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids will display estimated average charges for the following areas:

* 50 Common Inpatient Procedures

* 50 Common Outpatient Procedures

* Radiology Procedures - X-ray, MRI, CT , Ultrasound, Mammography (Approximately 20 in each category)

Charges listed provide patients an estimated, average amount for adult inpatient and outpatient surgery based on procedure codes. The Spectrum Health Web site explains that these estimates include hospital charges for nursing care, room charges, supplies and medication. They do not include physician fees. Consumers are encouraged to contact physician offices for their charges. In addition, patient charges will vary depending on the need for tests and other procedures, as well as existing health conditions.

Consumers with health insurance are directed to contact their health insurance provider for specific information about their plan. Participating insurers and their contact information are listed on the site.

"Right now, Spectrum Health receives hundreds of calls each month from consumers looking for charge information," said Michael P. Freed, executive vice president & chief financial officer, Spectrum Health. "We anticipate this volume will continue to increase as the popularity of health savings accounts (HSAs) and high-deductible plans rise."

If the Web site does not provide the information a consumer needs, a phone number and secure e-mail address is available for further questions. The site also includes Frequently Asked Questions and a glossary of terms.

"By posting these charges consumers will see the value Spectrum Health offers," said Freed. "High quality care doesn't have to be expensive. We want them to realize that we offer the best combination - high quality at lower costs."

Spectrum Health's Patient and Family Advisory Council provided valuable direction during development of the site. Input from this group of former patients and family members helped create the consumer-friendly design. Spectrum Health also conducted usability testing. This feedback was used to ensure consumers could quickly find information and navigate easily through the Web pages.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through its seven hospitals, more than 140 service sites and 460,000-member health plan, Priority Health. Spectrum Health's 13,000 employees, 1,400 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care to those in medical need. The organization provided $88 million in community benefit during its 2005 fiscal year. Spectrum Health has earned numerous national awards including being ranked in Verispan's listing of top 100 Integrated Healthcare Networks. For more information, visit www.spectrum-health.org.