Web-based cost estimator takes mystery out of costs

Sept. 3, 2009, DANVILLE – With consumers responsible for a larger portion of their healthcare costs than ever before, a new tool on the Geisinger Web site makes it easier to estimate the cost of care before treatment.

In addition, the Web-based tool makes it possible for consumers to estimate how their benefits apply to a specific service and how much they will owe out of pocket.
Barbara Tapscott, vice president of Revenue Services at Geisinger, said that she is pleased that her department is able to provide easy-to-access cost estimates.

“This tool engages consumers in managing their healthcare costs, helps them evaluate treatment alternatives and improves cost savings by providing accurate treatment estimates at Geisinger’s community sites and at Geisinger hospitals in Danville and Wilkes-Barre,” noted Tapscott.

Geisinger’s Quick Care Cost Estimator provides 24/7 information to consumers. The Care Cost Estimator details common procedures (for inpatient stays and office visits) from 22 Geisinger departments and breaks the cost down further by Geisinger’s five most common insurers (Capital Blue Cross, Geisinger Health Plan, Health America, Highmark and Medicare). 

"Consumers tell us it gives them a comfort level to enter a healthcare encounter and have a very good idea of what their insurance will cover,” added Tapscott, noting that the estimator is available at no charge.

About Geisinger Health System
Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System (Danville, PA) is one of the nation’s largest integrated health services organizations.  Serving more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of two medical center campuses, three hospitals, a 740-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and the Henry Hood Center for Health Research—dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org