Report Shows Wide Disparity in Hospital Drug Prices

Patients may be charged more than 2,000 percent more for the same drug at the same hospital. Researchers say price transparency is the key to change.

Central pharmacy of Intermountain Heathcare in Midvale, Utah, in file photo. George Frey/Getty Images

Prescription drug prices charged by hospitals vary by thousands of dollars for the same medication, depending on where the hospital is located and who’s paying, according to a study published by Patients Rights Advocacy.

The confusing price structures are often available only in computer files that are unusable by average consumers, despite federal transparency rules.