To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: At first glance, it appeared that hospitals were complying with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) price transparency requirement, which became effective January 1, 2021. Upon a closer look; however, multiple deficiencies were found. CMS previously advised that it would begin auditing compliance with the rule this past January. Interestingly, it was the published findings of a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) investigation that first identified non-compliance. The investigation uncovered hospitals technically posting such data but intentionally hiding it from online search engines. The Rule The new rule requires US hospitals to have detailed pricing information prominently displayed on their websites. The rule’s specific details are discussed in our recent blog. Among the requirements are that standard charges be posted online. (45 CFR § 180.50). Standard charges are “the regular rate[s] established by a hospital for an item or service provided to a specific group of paying patients.” (45 CFR § 180.20). Hospitals; however, were obscuring these standard charges from consumers.