Third Party Negotiated Hospital Pricing in Rural and Urban Hospitals within 12 U.S. States
RUHRC Authors: Smith, AP | Talbert, J | Hammerslag, LR
Publication Date: 11/21/2025
Full Publication: Third Party Negotiated Hospital Pricing in Rural and Urban Hospitals within 12 U.S. States
Objective
This report examined hospital pricing for common services and procedures in rural and urban hospitals. We hypothesized that rural hospitals would differ from urban hospitals in their insurance-negotiated charges, given that rural hospitals tend to be smaller and offer fewer services.
Suggested Citation
Hammerslag LR, Smith AP, Talbert J. Third Party Negotiated Hospital Pricing in Rural and Urban Hospitals within 12 U.S. States. Lexington, KY: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center; 2025