Bill would require docs to post prices

More doctors in Florida soon will have to post their prices on a menu board similar to those used at McDonald's if a new bill becomes law.

The Health Care Price Transparency Act (HB 935), which passed through the Florida House with a 107 to 7 vote last week, will require urgent-care centers owned by hospitals to post the costs of their 50 most frequently-provided medical services on a 15-square foot sign. In addition, the bill encourages primary-care providers to voluntarily post their prices.

The bill also allows primary-care providers to voluntarily post their prices in exchange for skipping one round of their continuing medical education credits, as well as one period of license renewal fees.

A similar bill pending in the Senate (SB 1410) is called the Patient's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.

While some have applauded the proposal, sponsored by Rep. Richard Corcoran (R-Trinity) and Sen. Joe Negron (R-Stuart) as a step in the right direction toward healthcare transparency, critics say it doesn't go far enough. However, Corcoran says he wants to expand the bill in future years, such as to include specialists, if it passes, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Others argue that such a law would favors Solantic, the chain of urgent-care clinics in which Gov. Rick Scott recently sold his stake. Because Solantic already publicizes some prices, critics say other clinics would have to match those prices to stay competitive.

To learn more:
- read the article in the Orlando Sentinel
- see this piece from the Associated Press

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