How much is that MRI in the Window?

Costs and charges in an academic medical center  

Memorial Day has come and gone and another Texas legislative session is winding down. As in previous sessions, the health components of the University of Texas System, including UT Houston, have reminded legislators of UT's commitment to the health of all Texans. One of the ways that UT health professionals demonstrate that commitment is provision of healthcare to the indigent. Because UT's health-related institutions depend heavily upon clinical revenue to cover administrative overheads and to make up for shortfalls in the funding of education and research, when we essentially give away free medical care, it has an impact upon our ability to perform our other missions and that is an important story to for us to tell. Inevitably, however, one or more senators or representatives will ask the fatal question: "so just how much does all of that indigent care cost you?" And, surprising as it may seem, that is... continue reading...