Office of Health Care Information

[PhilB]

In a recent call with an insurance representative, reference was made to the Office of Health Care Information (OHCI), which apparently operates at the federal and state level. Although I am aware that not every state has mandated public reporting, I am hoping to get OHCI data (a hopefully unbiased source) regarding some hospitals in North Carolina and other states pertaining to average charges reported. Some of these hospitals allegedly charge much higher rates for similar services than other area hospitals. I've tried searching the Government sites but so far have come up empty handed. Any suggestions where I might find this type of information? Any cautions/understandings we should have when looking at this type of data? Any help appreciated!

[GBurns]

Have you asked that insurance agent where this OHCI is and how to contact it, website or otherwise?

[JanetM]

One place to find information is the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). All hospitals who accept Medicare must submit a Medicare Cost Report annually, not more than five months after the end of the year. This is filed on a HCFA 2552-96. This is avialable under the freedom of information act.

[PhilB]

Apparently not all states are mandated to capture hospital charges, though I would expect all do for Medicaid & Medicare purposes, if for no other reason. The agent was referring to an office in their own state, but I've found that the name differs from state to state. I've looked at the HEDIS data on the HCFA site.