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How is the amount I pay decided?

By Sharon O'Brien, About.com

Question: How is the amount I pay decided?
Answer: There are many factors that are used to figure out how much you pay for outpatient services. These factors include:
  • The exact middle amount (national median charge) that all hospitals have charged for the particular service in the past
  • The amount people are paid to work in hospitals in the area where you get services
  • Whether the hospital chooses to lower the copayment amount for a particular service
  • Whether you have more than one procedure at the same time. If you have more than one procedure at the same time, the payment rate may be lowered. This will lower the amount you must pay.
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