You may have skipped over this item when Columbia news, views & reviews published it in December 2012:

• Find out the outcomes, charges and re-admissions for “12 Common Medical Conditions and Surgical Procedures” at Lancaster and York County hospitals by clicking here.

When we had a surgical procedure (meniscus tear) done on both knees recently, we decided to check out the price differential first-hand. In November, 2012, one surgery took place. The other was performed in January 2013. Here are the hospital (only) charges from the Medicare insurance claims processed.

Lancaster Regional: 29881 – Removal Of One Knee Cartilage Using An Endoscope … $15,735.44

Lancaster General: 29881 – Removal Of One Knee Cartilage Using An Endoscope … $9,127.55

The differential appears consistent with the findings in the report; Lancaster General’s prices are lower. In our case, significantly.

If you’d clicked on the above link, you would have been able to see this report prepared by the Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council.

In the report readers can see the average price comparisons for selected services performed at hospitals in the central region of the state. According to the report:

“Before we make a major purchase, we usually gather as much information as we can about the available product or service. By  comparing what we learn about the quality of the product as well as what will be charged for it, we decide on what we believe is the
best product for the best possible price. When it comes to health care services, unfortunately, the information available to consumers and purchasers to make such decisions is limited and often not widely accessible. PHC4’s Hospital Performance Report can help to fill the information vacuum and assist consumers and purchasers in making more informed health care decisions. This report can also serve as an aid to providers in highlighting additional opportunities for quality improvement and cost containment. It should not be used in emergency situations.”

As you glance through the report for the selected services, you’ll notice that Lancaster General Health’s rates for services are generally lower than other county hospitals.

Lesson(s) learned:

• You may want to shop around for hospital services.

• The US healthcare system is expensive. Here’s what one site says about the same surgery in another country: Knee Meniscus Arthroscopy Repair Packages Cost: 3,000~7,000 US Dollars {Covers all at destination medical & logistics expences}

• Surgery is not always an answer.

• As one ages, stuff happens! Deal with it!