The CMS price transparency rule has two parts. First: a machine-readable file (MRF) listing standard charges, discounted cash prices, and payer-specific negotiated rates for ALL items and services. Second: a consumer-friendly list of 300+ shoppable services with prices. Both must be publicly accessible with no login or paywall.
Every hospital operating in the United States must comply — including critical access hospitals. The rule applies regardless of size, ownership, or whether you accept Medicare. Rural, urban, non-profit, and for-profit facilities are all covered under 45 CFR 180.
Your file must be in JSON or CSV format — structured data that software can parse automatically. A PDF, image, or HTML table does not qualify. CMS's automated crawlers must be able to download and parse the file without human interaction.
CMS publishes a specific list of 70 shoppable services that must appear in your consumer-friendly list — including common procedures like CT scans, MRIs, and office visits. Each must show payer-specific negotiated rates where applicable.
CMS has issued 1,000+ penalty actions since enforcement began. Fines run $5,500 per day per violation. The agency's automated systems check files continuously — non-compliance is found, not reported.
Publish a complete, correctly formatted MRF. Verify your file is reachable by automated crawlers (not behind bot-blocking). Update it whenever payer contracts change. Re-check quarterly. A free MRF risk check identifies gaps before CMS does.
Not sure your file meets every requirement? Get a free MRF risk check — 24-hour turnaround.
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