Forgot your password?
Don't have an account? Create Account
Forgot your password?
Don't have an account? Create Account

Cost of Care Conversations

The cost of health care services greatly influences clinical decision making and subsequent outcomes, particularly when high costs prevent patients from following recommended treatment. To ensure the best possible care that meets patients’ needs, providers, health organizations, and patients must be able to share and receive information about health care costs and related financial constraints. This issue is especially relevant for essential hospitals that care for vulnerable patient populations, many of whom are under- or uninsured and face other financial hardships. Evidence-driven tools and resources can help essential hospitals recognize, understand, and engage in cost of care conversations with patients and families.

About this Project

Essential Hospitals Institute is pleased to promote communication about health care costs with all patients, including vulnerable patients facing social, linguistic, and economic obstacles. The resources featured here were developed by a diverse set of stakeholders. Support for this project was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.

Motivation/Initiation

Learn more about why cost of care conversations are so crucial to high-quality, equitable health care.

Organizational Tools

Organizational decision-makers can consider systematic improvements to their institution’s approach to cost conversations.

Provider Training Modules

These training resources help providers and their clinical staff understand the “why” and “how” of talking to patients about cost.

Patient Tools

This collection of tools arms patients with key questions and considerations for discussing the cost of care with health care providers and staff.

Provider Tools

These tangible tools guide providers and their clinical staff during cost conversations with patients.

Practice Briefs

Actionable resources for clinicians, staff, and practice administrators interested in increasing the value and frequency of cost-of-care conversations in the clinical setting.

About America’s Essential Hospitals

America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. Since 1981, America’s Essential Hospitals has initiated, advanced, and preserved programs and policies that help these hospitals ensure access to care. We support members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education.
​