Case Study: MetroHealth achieves improved financial literacy and price transparency with PMMC's self-service estimator

MetroHealth Increases Financial Literacy and Transparency Through A Self-Service Estimator Tool

MetroHealth, a 731‑bed system in Cleveland, OH (EPIC), partnered with revenue-cycle vendor PMMC to tackle federal and state price-transparency requirements and widespread patient confusion about out‑of‑pocket costs—nearly 70% of patients did not understand their financial liability before care. MetroHealth needed a flexible, user‑friendly solution that preserved patient autonomy while also supporting staff‑generated estimates and broader compliance with Ohio law.

PMMC delivered a web‑based “My Cost Estimator” self‑service tool (with phone/in‑person estimate options) that collects insurance and benefit details, shows separate hospital and professional fees, provides printable summaries and staff‑requested detailed estimates, and includes legally vetted disclaimers and proactive patient outreach. After launch, web estimate volume rose 92% (Aug–Sep 2016); community outreach efforts reached ~4,000 people and enrolled about 70% in financial assistance or insurance programs, improving financial literacy, preventive care uptake, and reducing emergency visits and expenses—outcomes driven by PMMC’s solution.

MetroHealth

Donna Graham

Senior Director of Revenue Cycle Operations