Reining in costs

Regarding “Costs Rarely Discussed” (Aug. 25): Health care is the only service the consumer must buy before learning how much it costs. Even if a patient has the time or opportunity to find out what a provider charges for a needed procedure, that rarely correlates to the payment amount required by the insurance carrier. First there is the negotiated rate for the service, then there is the deductible and co-pay. Is the provider participating or not? Is the service even covered? There are so many variables, it is impossible to determine the actual out-of-pocket cost until the explanation of benefits arrives.

Until consumers can compare prices and shop around for the most economical yet effective treatments, we will never be able to control health-care costs.

Cathy Lascola

Santa Monica