According to a new study published in Health Affairs, prices rose 11% at ASCs after they were acquired by Optum, a sister company of UnitedHealthcare.
Healthcare Dive has an analysis of the study. It reports that the price hikes are “probably because the newly acquired providers were able to negotiate higher prices with insurers,” saying the study highlights “how vertical consolidation drives up healthcare spending.”
It writes that study found the increases translate to $10.1 million more in annual spending for seven common procedures in two dozen ASC markets analyzed. “Extrapolating that estimate to all ASC services suggests the full financial impact could exceed $67 million each year,” the site writes, “That’s a concern, given those costs are being charged to insurers competing with Optum’s sister company, according to the research. In addition, the costs are generally passed along to consumers through higher premiums and out-of-pocket spending.”
Read the full Health Affairs study here, and Healthcare Dive’s full report here.
