It is easier than ever to take control of how and where you spend your healthcare dollars.

Cost is an important factor when charges for an MRI can vary by thousands of dollars based on the location where it is performed. The ability to compare hospitals based on a specific procedure, such as hip replacement, gives you the opportunity to be a better consumer in today’s healthcare system. The following websites compare prices charged by doctors, hospitals and out-patient centers:

• The Wisconsin Price Point System www.wipricepoint.org offered by the Wisconsin Hospital Association Information Center compares facilities based on inpatient services, outpatient services and emergency/urgent care. Price Point also provides consumer information such as understanding how much you will be expected to pay based on your insurance coverage.
• The Wisconsin Hospital Association hosts www.wicheckpoint.org. This website ranks hospitals based on several criteria including death rates, infections, a variety of common procedures and patient safety practices.
• The Federal Health and Human Services department offers consumers similar information through “Hospital Compare” found at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.org.

Be sure to check your insurance carrier’s website. Most offer assistance to help you choose the right care for your healthcare needs. Websites often provide listings of hospitals and doctors in the carrier’s network and can help estimate your health plan costs.