Dear Editor,
Florida hospitals should be ashamed of themselves for trying to block rules that would require them to disclose prices to patients before they get treatment.("Florida hospitals challenge 'transparency' rules" Saturday). In what other industry do consumers not get to know the price of the product or service before they buy? The reason hospitals want to keep patients in the dark about costs is so they can continue to overcharge, and keep taking advantage of patients.
Cost transparency is one of the keys to making health-care more affordable. If consumers know costs up front, then they can shop and compare prices, and hospitals will be forced to compete. Heaven forbid.
By fighting the two rules from Gov. Rick Scott's office that would require hospitals and outpatient surgery centers to disclose their costs up front, Florida Hospital Association sends its message loud and clear: Keeping patients in the dark is all about keeping hospitals in the black. Shame on them.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Thomas, CPA
Co-Founder, Association of Independent Doctors
