Cash-Only Surgery Center Becomes a Model for Free-Market Health Care

It actually posts competitive prices up-front and won't deal with Medicaid or Medicare

Taking a "cash only" free market approach, the Surgery Center of Oklahoma City is causing a stir locally, and attracting nationwide attention.

What the company calls "price transparency" with guaranteed rates for procedures is even triggering a home-grown version of medical tourism.

A company in the Dallas metroplex has designated Surgery Center a partner for employee health care. Savings from procedures performed at the center, even with lodging and travel covered, yield lower costs for the employer.