Pricing Transparency and Estimates at PacMed
At PacMed, we know that health care can be an unexpected expense and that the cost of health care services can be a deciding factor for many people as they plan for care.
PacMed supports health care pricing transparency and tools that help patients and all consumers evaluate what care is best for them and any related financial costs. That is why we are easing your way with a self-serve price estimator. Its out-of-pocket cost estimates are tailored to each person’s insurance coverage and our affiliated hospitals, Swedish and Providence. The MyChart-based tool allows you to either save time by signing in to your MyChart account and using your insurance information on file, or searching as a guest.
We encourage all health care consumers to speak with their providers and their health plan to get a full picture of their treatment plan and what they will pay. Many hospitals offer financial counseling for those experiencing hardship during any point throughout their care.
Good Faith Estimates
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. Learn more about Good Faith Estimates.
In 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid issued guidance for hospitals to make available a list of their standard charges online. However, hospital charges don’t provide a full picture of what patients will pay. We hope you will use our helpful price estimator for of out-of-pocket costs.
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Billing (Balance Billing)
When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing. Learn more about your rights.