For many people, getting care can feel like stepping into the unknown – not just wondering what the diagnosis might be, but what the bill will look like afterward. Costs are often hard to predict, especially when they come from different places and aren't clearly explained up front.
This isn't anyone's fault. It's just how the healthcare system has evolved, and unfortunately, it doesn't always keep patients in the loop. People often feel unsure about what they're agreeing to when they schedule care. Some delay important procedures. Others go through with them and face surprise charges they didn't see coming. It doesn't have to be this way.
"Transparency in healthcare is sorely missing," says Brad Isaacson, president and chief operating officer of Tellica Imaging, a nonprofit imaging provider owned by Intermountain Health. "We don't think it's fair to surprise patients."
That's why more providers like Tellica Imaging are stepping up with upfront pricing, believing patients shouldn't have to choose between their health and their finances. When people know what to expect financially from the start, they're more likely to get the care they need, when they need it, without delay, doubt, or debt.
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Healthcare bills can be confusing
Often, there’s more than one provider involved in a single visit – a primary care doctor, a specialist, a lab, a facility – and each one may send a separate bill. Those charges usually come at different times, from different places, and often without a clear explanation of how they all connect.
This is true even if you have insurance. Between copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums, it can be hard to tell what applies when, or how much you’ll actually need to pay. And if you're using a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), that adds another layer of planning. This uncertainty often leaves people hesitant, anxious, and sometimes stuck in a cycle of putting off the care they need.
Transparent pricing helps break that cycle. It gives patients the information they need to plan ahead, ask the right questions, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Knowing your options is part of good care
When a provider refers you for care, it’s easy to assume your only option is the one they recommend. But for many services, especially outpatient care, you can often choose a different provider that better fits your schedule, your budget, or your personal preferences.
According to Isaacson, “People are becoming more informed consumers, but they still don’t always realize they have a choice or what to look for.”
Understanding that you have options is the first step. Knowing how to compare those options is what helps you feel confident making the right decision.
What to look for in a transparent provider
If you’re scheduling care, here are a few things that can help you spot a provider that puts transparent pricing first:
- Flat-rate or bundled pricing. Ask if the full cost is available up front, and what’s included.
- No surprise fees. Transparent providers will flag additional costs early, not after the fact.
- Clear answers. You should be able to call and get a plain-language explanation of your options.
- Reasonable scheduling and turnaround. Ask how long it typically takes to get in and to get results.
- Specialized expertise. If your care involves diagnostics or interpretation, ask about the provider’s training.
- Support with insurance or HSA/FSA planning. Transparent providers often help you understand how to use your benefits.
Isaacson adds, “A big part of transparency is just taking the time to walk patients through what’s going to happen and what it’s going to cost. That should be the norm.”
One example of transparent pricing + medical care in action
More providers are starting to design their services around what patients actually need – simple pricing, clear communication, and high-quality care without surprise bills.
Tellica Imaging is one of those providers. Their model focuses on flat-rate pricing, fast scheduling, and clear expectations from start to finish. They want patients to feel more informed and less stressed throughout the entire process.
“We remain focused on Tellica’s innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement in diagnostic imaging,” says Isaacson. “We focus on access, affordability, quality, and care and strive to ensure everyone has the very best experience.”
Their goal is to make medical care easier to navigate, so patients can focus on their health instead of worrying about costs.
What to ask before saying yes to care
The next time your doctor recommends a test, scan, or referral, you don’t have to feel locked into one option. You can ask questions, compare locations, and choose care that fits your needs, your budget, and your schedule.
Here are a few helpful questions to keep in mind: What will this cost, and what’s included?
- What will I pay out of pocket?
- Is this provider in-network with my insurance?
- What’s the typical wait time for results?
- Can I use my HSA or FSA?
- Are there any additional fees I should know about?
Even if the answer is, “It depends,” a transparent provider will take the time to explain what those variables mean and help you make a decision that feels right for you.
Clear pricing, better care
When costs are unclear, care often gets delayed — or skipped altogether. But when pricing is simple and transparent, people are more likely to follow through, ask questions, and feel good about the care they receive.
More providers are recognizing that. Organizations like Tellica Imaging in Utah and Idaho are part of a growing effort to make healthcare easier to navigate and more centered around the needs of real people.
Visit TellicaImaging.com to explore flat-rate services, check availability at a location near you, and see how simple advanced imaging and affordable care can be.
Contact:
Tellica Imaging - Idaho
Phone: 208-417-5100
Fax: 1-208-417-5105
Tellica Imaging - Utah
Phone: 801-442-6000
Fax: 1-385-297-2700