Q&A: Charging for Bedside Procedures

Q: How can hospitals set charges for bedside procedures?

A: There are two main philosophies on setting charges for services:

• The prices are set based on the cost and resource allocation of the individual department/area
• The prices are set to be the same for the same HCPCS code regardless of the department that furnishes the service, unless the procedures are time based (e.g., surgery department)

The charge structure for bedside procedures can mimic the outpatient structure that is already in place, so use what is already on your chargemaster as a guide. Don’t reinvent the wheel for services that are already a part of the charge structure.

For more information, see the Billing for Ancillary Bedside Procedures Training Handbook.

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