Insurance Information

Many consumers, particularly with the introduction of high deductible health plans, are starting to request more information about the cost of imaging studies such as MRI and CT. Shields, with its network of imaging centers and single focus on cross sectional imaging, offers not only better amenities, but also more competitive pricing. Located in the community with better access and lower overhead, Shields offers more value than any other imaging provider in New England.

Although price transparency has been discussed for several years, the health care industry as a whole is moving in the direction of sharing more pricing information as patients demand it in our new consumer driven health care market.

“Getting scans at a hospital instead of an independent, stand alone imaging center can double the cost” says Charles Cutler, Aetna. “Big insurers, including Aetna and Cigna, now have websites that let members comparison shop scan prices at various locations.”

Source: Smart Money, “Under the Knife”, April 2008, page 79.