Costs For Routine Procedures At Idaho Hospitals Might Shock You

People can complain all they want about what their health coverage actually pays for and what it doesn't, but in the long run, the peace of mind that having coverage brings a person can be very beneficial to one's health. I'm acquainted with people in Idaho who view hospitals as the enemy based on bills they've received without ever comparing the average costs of routine services nationally.

I don't think a week goes by that I don't come across an Idaho comment chain regarding St. Luke's health services and the supposed outrageous costs inflicted on patients, poor staff attitudes, or overall dissatisfaction with visits. I've been a patient at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center a few times over the years, and thankfully my healthcare plan has covered the majority of costs. I'm one of the lucky ones I suppose.

Get our free mobile app

All a person needs to do is Google the average costs for hospital visits (ER or Urgent Care) in Idaho and the rest of the country to see what states are charging more for routine procedures and services. Idaho, for instance, lands in about the middle of the pack when compared to the rest of the U.S. for office visits not deemed urgent, according to stacker.com data.

The Gem State also landed in the bottom five states for highest healthcare spending, according to worldpopulationreview.com. Idahoans are known for not pursuing healthcare until it's absolutely necessary. One of the telltale signs of this is the late-stage cancer rate in Twin Falls County.

Healthcare costs in the U.S. is a topic that's constantly in the news. Before Idahoans get too fired up about the bill that arrives in the mailbox, some research on healthcare spending in America as a whole might change the opinions of many. Some in Idaho may find the shock to be of the good kind.