Texas Senate Bill SB2104

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study on the feasibility of using the statewide system of health care data collection to create a public database of charges billed by health care providers.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would mandate the Texas Department of Health to undertake an analysis regarding the establishment of this database. It seeks to provide insights into the billing practices of healthcare providers and aims to deliver a report detailing the findings to relevant state authorities by December 1, 2018. The introduction of such a database could significantly impact consumer behavior and market dynamics by enabling patients to compare costs efficiently, potentially leading to more competitive pricing among providers.

Summary

SB2104 proposes to conduct a study on the feasibility of creating a public database that compiles and displays the charges billed by healthcare providers across Texas. The bill's intent is to utilize the existing statewide health care data collection system to enhance transparency in healthcare pricing, facilitating informed decision-making by patients and entities like health maintenance organizations. By providing accessible information on healthcare costs based on geographic zip codes, SB2104 aims to empower consumers in their healthcare choices.

Contention

However, while the bill may contribute positively to healthcare transparency, it may also encounter opposition from healthcare providers concerned about the implications of publicizing their pricing structures. Critics might argue that such transparency could undermine their competitive position in the market or lead to unintended consequences that might not favor patient health outcomes. Balancing the benefits of transparency with the potential challenges it poses will likely be a key point of discussion as this bill progresses through the legislative process.