Relentless Health Value

Emergency room costs now make up 6% of total healthcare plan spending—why? In this episode, host Stacey Richter welcomes Al Lewis to break down the data behind rising ER expenses, separating fact from fiction. They discuss whether increased patient acuity or widespread upcoding is driving costs, the impact of the No Surprises Act, and why plan sponsors struggle to negotiate fair ER rates. Plus, Al shares actionable strategies for employers to push back against inflated charges. If you want to understand the hidden forces behind escalating ER bills, this is a must-listen. You can find the charts and links mentioned in the show notes in the link below. === LINKS ===