On November 30, 2018, CMS launched the Procedure Price Lookup tool that enables consumers to search the tool by type of procedure to compare the national average cost for procedures performed in both ambulatory surgery centers and hospital outpatient departments.  The tool shows the national average amount a beneficiary with no Medicare supplemental insurance pays for the medical procedure if it is performed in an ambulatory surgery center as compared to a hospital outpatient department.  The tool also shows the national averages for the amount Medicare would pay for the procedure in both sites of service.

In CMS’s press release about the new tool, CMS Administrator Seema Verma explained “the Procedure Price Lookup will help patients with Medicare consider potential cost differences when choosing where to have a medical procedure that best meets their needs . . . .”

The Procedure Price Lookup tool is being launched as required by the 21st Century Cures Act.