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Cost and Quality Frequently Asked Questions
In the Sutter Health network, we understand that it is important to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decisions for your health and wellness, including quality and cost. We have provided the following details to give you meaningful information on the quality and safety of our care.
Hospital FAQs
Common hospital cost and quality questions.
How can I find the out-of-pocket cost for a certain procedure?
You should contact your health plan directly before an anticipated hospital procedure or admission. Find your plan’s customer service phone number on your insurance card.
Our hospital staff can provide a general estimate of your out-of-pocket costs at our facility. Please call our Patient Advocate Line at (855) 398-1639.
Why do costs vary between facilities?
Cost information on your health plan’s website may not be complete or accurate for an individual. Costs may vary based on your insurance benefits or the specific procedures, supplies or tests you need, and the type of facility in which a procedure is performed. In some cases, services may cost less if provided outside a hospital setting, such as in a Sutter Health-affiliated outpatient surgery center. Please work directly with your physician to identify the most appropriate care setting and treatment plan for you.
At our hospital, we partner toward a single, shared purpose: providing high-value healthcare that’s personalized to patients’ needs.
Why are quality measures important, and where can I learn about my hospital’s quality?
Government agencies and other trusted organizations track "quality indicators" for common medical conditions. Hospitals like ours use this information to achieve the best results for patients.
What is your organization doing to lower healthcare costs?
Across our Sutter Health network, we have strengthened our pledge to provide high-quality medical services and do our part in reducing overall healthcare costs. We seek to save patients, government payers and health plan providers hundreds of millions of dollars by working more efficiently. For example, we are:
- Helping chronically ill patients avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital stays
- Eliminating unnecessary tests and treatments
- Reducing hospital-acquired infections
- Streamlining business functions
To learn more, visit our Sutter Health annual report.
What if I cannot pay my balance?
Sutter Heath offers payment plans to those who qualify. If you would like more information regarding payment plans please contact us.
Sutter Health also offers financial assistance to those who qualify. If you would like more information regarding financial assistance please visit our Financial Assistance page.
Foundation FAQs
Common foundation and medical group cost and quality questions.
How can I find the out-of-pocket cost for a certain procedure?
You should contact your health plan directly before an anticipated hospital procedure or admission. Find your plan’s customer service phone number on your insurance card.
Our staff can provide a general estimate of your out-of-pocket costs. Please call our Patient Advocate Line at:
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: (888) 398-5677
- Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation: (866) 961-8535
- Sutter Gould Medical Foundation: (866) 961-8539
- Sutter Medical Foundation: (866) 961-8538
- Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation: (866) 699-3627
Why do costs vary between medical groups?
Cost information on your health plan’s website may not be complete or accurate for an individual. Your out-of-pocket costs may vary based on your insurance benefits or the specific procedures, supplies or tests you need.
Please work directly with your physicians to identify the most appropriate care setting and treatment plan for you.
Why are quality measures important, and where can I learn about my medical foundation's quality?
Government agencies and other trusted organizations track "quality indicators" for common medical conditions. Organizations like ours use this information to achieve the best results for patients.
At our medical foundation, we partner toward a single, shared purpose: providing high-value healthcare that’s personalized to patients’ needs.
What is your organization doing to lower healthcare costs?
Across our Sutter Health network, we have strengthened our pledge to provide high-quality medical services and do our part in reducing overall healthcare costs. We seek to save patients, government payers and health plan providers hundreds of millions of dollars by working more efficiently. For example, we are:
- Helping chronically ill patients avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital stays
- Eliminating unnecessary tests and treatments
- Reducing hospital-acquired infections
- Streamlining business functions
To learn more, visit our Sutter Health annual report.
What if I cannot pay my balance?
Sutter Heath offers payment plans to those who qualify. If you would like more information regarding payment plans please contact us.
Sutter Health also offers financial assistance to those who qualify. If you would like more information regarding financial assistance please visit our Financial Assistance page.
Surgery Center FAQs
Common outpatient surgery center cost and quality questions.
How can I find the out-of-pocket cost for a certain procedure?
You should contact your health plan directly before an anticipated hospital procedure or admission. Find your plan’s customer service phone number on your insurance card.
Our hospital staff can provide a general estimate of your out-of-pocket costs at our facility. Please call our Patient Advocate Line at (855) 398-1639.
Why do costs vary between facilities?
Cost information on your health plan’s website may not be complete or accurate for an individual. Costs may vary based on your insurance benefits or the specific procedures, supplies or tests you need, and the type of facility in which a procedure is performed. In some cases, services may cost less if provided outside a hospital setting, such as in a Sutter Health-affiliated outpatient surgery center. Please work directly with your physician to identify the most appropriate care setting and treatment plan for you.
Why are quality measures important, and where can I learn about my hospital's quality?
Government agencies and other trusted organizations track "quality indicators" for common medical conditions. Hospitals like ours use this information to achieve the best results for patients.
At our hospital, we partner toward a single, shared purpose: providing high-value healthcare that’s personalized to patients’ needs.
What is your organization doing to lower healthcare costs?
Across our Sutter Health network, we have strengthened our pledge to provide high-quality medical services and do our part in reducing overall healthcare costs. We seek to save patients, government payers and health plan providers hundreds of millions of dollars by working more efficiently. For example, we are:
- Helping chronically ill patients avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital stays
- Eliminating of unnecessary tests and treatments
- Reducing hospital acquired infections
- Streamlining business functions
To learn more, visit our Sutter Health annual report.