A Survey of Charge Sensitivity and Charge Awareness Among Intensive Care Unit Providers in a Large Academic Medical Center

Little is known about charge sensitivity or charge awareness among intensive care unit (ICU) providers in the United States. In a survey of 295 ICU providers at a large, academic medical center, 92.5% of respondents agreed that controlling health care expenses is partly their responsibility. However, 87.4% of respondents reported that they did not know the charges for most of the tests and medications they prescribe. Among surveyed participants, the correct charge for a medical procedure or test was selected only 35% of the time. While ICU providers overwhelmingly agree that controlling expenses is their responsibility, charge awareness is low and likely limits their ability to make value-based decisions.