Where our numbers come from
Every price on CashCareGuide must be traceable to a published source. In order of preference, we use:
- Government and regulatory data: CMS, Medicare fee schedules, HRSA, Healthcare.gov, state price transparency portals
- Nonprofit research organizations: KFF, Fair Health Consumer, Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker
- Federally mandated hospital price transparency files and the consumer tools built on them
- Published cash prices from providers, laboratories, pharmacies, retailers, and drug manufacturers
- Professional association fee surveys and peer-reviewed research
Sources are listed at the bottom of every article. When sources disagree, we present the full range and say so in the text.
What we will not do
- Publish a price we cannot source
- Present a national average as a promise of what you will pay
- Give medical advice, or advise anyone to delay or skip needed care
- Let advertisers influence which prices, providers, or programs we cover
Updates and corrections
Each article displays its last-updated date. We review high-traffic guides on a recurring schedule and any time a reader flags a change. To report an error, use the contact page; verified corrections are made promptly and the updated date is refreshed.
Advertising
CashCareGuide is supported by display advertising. Ads are clearly labeled, and advertisers have no input into editorial content, article selection, or the prices and programs we recommend.