New report exposes lack of hospital price transparency in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. – Many Oregon hospitals are falling short when it comes to providing consumers with useful, usable price estimates for medical services. That’s the main finding of the new report Price Transparency at Oregon Hospitals: Examining the Usefulness of Consumer Price Information, which OSPIRG released in conjunction with an online webinar on Tuesday. While federal law requires hospitals to publicly list prices for procedures and other services, the report exposes how difficult it can be for patients to get an accurate price estimate at Oregon hospitals.

“Knowing the cost of a procedure or service beforehand empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care, allowing them to compare costs, plan ahead, and avoid surprise medical bills,” said Charlie Fisher, OSPIRG’s state director. “It also creates opportunities for policymakers, researchers, and insurers to better understand hospital prices and advocate for a more competitive, affordable healthcare system.” 

The report identified serious gaps in consumer-friendliness that add to the confusion for patients seeking cost estimates. Out of 59 hospitals surveyed, only 20 (34%) provided useful and usable – although imperfect – consumer-oriented price transparency tools. The remaining hospitals either had pricing information with serious limitations to accessibility or no pricing information at all. Without clear pricing information, Oregonians are at greater risk of surprise medical bills and incurring health care debt. 

The report found that at the reviewed hospitals: 

• Consumer-oriented price transparency tools were inconsistent
• Requests for personal identifying information limited access to some prices
• Too many did not explain why they failed to share required information, such as why a required service was not listed on their website.

The report arrives at a critical moment for price transparency for Oregon’s hospital patients. Legislators have the opportunity to pass two key bills. House Bill 3557 would codify federal consumer price transparency rules and tighten oversight. The bill, which recently had a hearing in the Oregon Legislature, would require hospitals to publicly post a consumer-friendly list of services and allow state regulators to ensure compliance more proactively than the federal government. 

A second bill, Senate Bill 539, would require hospitals to report on hidden medical fees, also known as hospital facility fees. The bill would require prior notification to patients before they receive care and reporting to the state on where and these fees are charged and their purpose.

About OSPIRG 

OSPIRG is a statewide consumer advocacy group dedicated to standing up to powerful interests and fighting for Oregonians’ health, safety, and financial well-being.