James C. Robinson, PhD, MPH

Average prices are substantially higher but rates of complications are similar in hospital-based vs freestanding surgery centers for colonoscopy, arthroscopy, and cataract removal surgery.

Patients can be shielded from the most onerous cost-sharing burdens for specialty drugs while keeping premiums affordable for the entire enrolled population.

The authors quantify the potential reduction in hospital costs from adopting best local practices in supply chain management and discharge planning within a major metropolitan market.

Consumer cost sharing reduces use of physician-administered specialty drugs for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, with an offsetting increase in patient self-administered specialty drugs.

Hospitals in concentrated markets charge significantly higher prices to private insurers than do otherwise-similar hospitals in competitive markets.