NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MDsave and Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen and Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville are working together to help local residents who pay out-of-pocket for healthcare procedures save money and get more of the care they need. Through the MDsave marketplace, patients at Valley Baptist Medical Center will now have access to a wide variety of medical procedures at up-front prices up to 60 percent off the average rate,* as well as simplified billing and educational resources.
Approximately 38 million Americans had no insurance coverage at all as of January 2015, and many others pay large amounts in out-of- pocket expenses for healthcare. In both cases, many individuals and families may be unable to afford the medical care they need, especially preventive procedures that could help stave off future health issues. MDsave and Valley Baptist Medical Center are working to create better options for these patients.
“In today’s marketplace, healthcare can be confusing and expensive, especially for consumers who are uninsured or who must pay large amounts out-of-pocket,” said Manny Vela, CEO, Valley Baptist Health System. “This service can help these patients access the same quality healthcare they have come to expect at our hospital at a lower cost.”
MDsave empowers patients to take more control over their healthcare decisions by offering transparent pricing and educational resources on diseases and treatments. MDsave's website allows patients to geographically search by procedure, provider, specialty, or ailment, and compare pricing. The process is upfront and easy. Just choose the best option, add to your cart, and check out online - the price posted is what you pay.
“Our average consumer is saving about 40% to 60%,” says MDsave co-founder and CEO Paul Ketchel. For example, Ketchel explains, an MRI might cost $2,500 on the healthcare exchange, but by researching and booking through MDsave, that same patient could get an MRI at Valley Baptist Medical Center for less than $500. “People are getting some of the lower-level care they need sooner and not showing up at the emergency room where things are really expensive.” Similar savings are available on many of the Imaging and Nuclear Medicine procedures offered. This October, Valley Baptist will join with MDsave in raising awareness and affordable access to breast cancer screenings, offering $99 mammogram screenings purchased by October 31, 2016 on MDsave.com. Vouchers can be redeemed at Valley Baptist Medical Center throughout the year.
“Working with Valley Baptist Medical Center we are taking an important step toward making healthcare more accessible and affordable,” says Ketchel. “We know that the cost of preventive treatments is often a factor in consumers neglecting to have them. We hope that our strategic alliance will increase access to quality medical care and, as a result, help save lives.”
About MDSave
Co-located in Brentwood, Tenn. and San Francisco, Calif., MDsave is the world’s first online healthcare marketplace, bringing together patients seeking affordable, reliable care with providers offering high-quality services at fair prices. Using cutting-edge technology, MDsave simplifies the healthcare billing process for patients and providers alike through negotiated rates, bundled pricing, and up-front payment. The MDsave marketplace also helps employers and payers offer more value to employees and policy holders with out-of-pocket deductible costs. Launched in June 2012, the company offers a wealth of information on its website about common illnesses and procedures. For more information, visit http://www.mdsave.com.
About Valley Baptist Medical Center
Valley Baptist Health System is an 866-bed faith-based regional health system located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. It is focused on helping people achieve health care for life through compassionate service inspired by faith.
Valley Baptist extends many of its services beyond its facilities and into local communities, offering screenings for the community, support groups and numerous educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.ValleyBaptist.net (and www.FaceBook.com/ValleyBaptistMedicalCenter).
*Savings are calculated based on the MDsave price compared to average market cost of offered medical services.
