California Fails in Healthcare Costs Transparency

California health care cost transparency laws are seriously lacking, according to a new national study released Monday, which looked at how much health care pricing information is readily available to consumers.

(Find the study attached to the right.)

California received a "D" for its overall legislative effort toward price transparency for health care, according to the report. Thirty-six states received a "D" of "F" and only 14 got a grade of "C" or better. Massachusetts and New Hampshire were the only states to receive an "A." 

The study graded each state on a set of criteria, awarding more points to states with laws requiring health care cost information be posted on a website. States received less points if their laws require the information be released in a public report, be made available on request or only require release to a specific state agency.  

The report card was released by Catalyst for Payment Reform and the Health Care Incentives Improvement Institute, non-profit advocacy organizations representing doctors, patients and employers.  

For Brentwood medical procedure costs, type in search terms, such as "appendectomy," for the 90049 zip code using healthbluebook.com.