The Wisconsin Legislature has adopted a measure that will require hospitals to make public their pricing for the most common inpatient and outpatient services. 

The legislation requires that the average prices of the 75 most common inpatient and 75 most common outpatient services be disclosed, as well as the 25 most common services provided by outpatient facilities.

Specific prices paid by health insurers to providers, however, are exempt from disclosure.  Also exempt are physicians practices with fewer than four physicians.

The intent behind the legislation is to reveal any variations in pricing amongst providers, allowing health care consumers to make informed choices.  

The measure also requires health insurers to provide estimated out-of-pocket costs when asked.