Hospital observation care, per hour in California

Common questions

How much does hospital observation care, per hour cost at a hospital in California?

At 7 California hospitals that publish a cash price, the typical price for hospital observation care, per hour is $171, and most charge between $148 and $481. The typical rate commercial insurers have negotiated is $299. These are hospital prices; independent clinics, imaging centers and labs often charge less.

Is it cheaper to pay cash or use insurance for hospital observation care, per hour?

At 1 of the 3 hospitals in California that publish both, the cash price is lower than the typical insurer rate. Remember that with insurance you pay only your share of that rate once your deductible is met, and that cash payments usually don't count toward your deductible.

Which hospital in California has the lowest cash price for hospital observation care, per hour?

Of the hospitals whose price files we have read, the lowest published cash price is $143 at Mercy Medical Center Redding. Confirm the price with the hospital before you book.

Does the price include the doctor?

No. These are the hospital's own charges, often called the facility fee. The doctors involved, such as the surgeon, the anesthesiologist or the radiologist who reads a scan, usually send a separate bill.