Hospitals using computer coding to skirt transparency rules, WSJ investigation finds

Hospitals are complying with a regulation requiring them to publish prices, but good luck finding it with a Google search.

By Alan Goforth | March 22, 2021 at 12:27 PM

Hospitals are evading the spirit of new price transparency regulations while technically following the letter of the law, a “Wall Street Journal” investigation has found.

Hospitals that have published their previously confidential prices also have blocked that information from web searches with special coding embedded on their websites. The information must be disclosed under a federal rule aimed at making the $1 trillion sector more consumer-friendly. However, hundreds of hospitals embedded code in their websites that prevented Google and other search engines from displaying pages with the price lists, according to an examination of more than 3,100 sites.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account? Sign In Now

Dig Deeper

Recommended Stories

Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on retiree benefits: What employers need to know

Sheela Andrews | June 09, 2023

As the new law rolls out, some plan sponsors are questioning whether the government’s capabilities to negotiate with Medicare on lower drug prices could prompt manufacturers to increase medication costs for employer plans.

States can address Medicaid inequity by promoting continuity of coverage, study finds

Alan Goforth | June 09, 2023

Making it easier for eligible people to enroll in and maintain Medicaid coverage also may help close coverage gaps for people of color.

AHA reports to Congress on the steps taken to meet new CMS rules

Dan Cook | June 08, 2023

AHA led by underscoring the industry’s positive responses to the transparency demands.

Resource Center

Case Study

BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.