Average hospital outpatient department prices for common imaging, colonoscopy and laboratory services can be double the price or more for identical services provided in a physician’s office or other community-based setting, according to a study from the nonpartisan, nonprofit National Institute for Health Care Reform NIHCR.The average hospital outpatient department price for a basic colonoscopy, for example, was $1,383 compared to $625 in community settings, according to the study. For a routine blood test — a comprehensive metabolic panel — the average price in hospital outpatient departments was triple the price — about $37 compared to $13 in community settings.
Forum for Healthcare Freedom 