Hospital Charge Information

Michigan hospitals are committed to increased transparency around healthcare costs, including price information for consumers.

  • Michigan hospitals share cost information with patients every day. The best way for any patient to get meaningful price information is to contact the hospital with their specific treatment needs. Every patient, and every patient’s needs and complications, is different and requires individual attention.
  • Healthcare billing, costs and charges are very complex. Much of hospitals’ costs are for employees’ wages and benefits. The price a patient sees on a hospital bill reflects the people who care for them and otherwise work in the hospital, not just the services, goods or medications provided. Hospitals recognize that more needs to be done to simplify the billing process for patients.
  • Because of widespread variation in health insurance coverage, it is difficult for hospitals to provide patient-specific out-of-pocket cost information without access to very detailed information about a patient’s health insurance coverage.

What is a “chargemaster?”

  • A chargemaster is a comprehensive list of charges for every inpatient and outpatient service provided by a hospital – each test, exam, surgery or other procedures, room charges, etc. In other words, it is the starting point from which the price that is ultimately paid is determined.
  • Given the broad scope of services provided by hospitals 24/7, a chargemaster contains thousands of services and charges.
  • An individual hospital’s charges vary based on its unique range of services, adoption of new medical technologies, government underfunding, patient demographics and other local and regional factors.
  • Health insurance companies contract with hospitals to care for their customers. Hospitals are typically paid contracted rates by insurance companies, which generally are less than the amount listed on the chargemaster. Therefore, chargemaster amounts are rarely billed to a patient or received as payment by a hospital.

How is patient out-of-pocket cost information shared with patients and families?

  • The chargemaster is not a useful tool for consumers who are comparison shopping between hospitals.
  • A hospital employs financial counselors, patient advocates and other resources to help our patients understand their unique financial obligations. We encourage patients to reach out and ask detailed financial questions – especially before scheduled services. The hospital’s financial counselors can review options for charity care, payment plans, discounts and more.
  • People should not try to determine specific out-of-pocket costs for a particular service based on a chargemaster. If a person has health insurance, they should first turn to their own insurance company for co-pay, coinsurance and deductible information. If uninsured, they should contact the hospital’s financial counselors to discuss their personal treatment needs and get an estimated cost of care.
    • In situations where a patient does not have insurance, patients may be eligible for free or reduced-cost healthcare services through various state public assistance programs like the Healthy Michigan plan, as well as the hospital financial assistance programs. Most hospitals have staff who specialize in helping a patient apply for and enroll in Medicaid programs and the Healthy Michigan Plan. In situations where a patient does not have and is not eligible for any insurance, the hospital has financial assistance policies that apply discounts to the amounts charged. More information on our financial assistance policies can be found at https://scmh.org/financial-assistance-policy/
  • Patients are encouraged to use out-of-pocket cost, quality and patient safety information together to make an informed healthcare purchasing decision. Hospital-specific quality and patient safety information is publicly available at www.verifymicare.org.

Hospital costs for patients vary for a number of reasons.

  • Every patient’s case is unique and requires varying levels of care and specific caregivers making no two patient experiences, even for the same services, the same.
  • The price a patient sees on their hospital bill reflects not just the specific care team who treated them, but also overall operational costs that keep the hospital running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Each hospital’s cost and charge structure vary for a variety of reasons including patient complexity; types of services offered; local labor cost; supply and equipment cost; buildings, utility, and maintenance cost; community service programs offered; and other factors.
  • Hospitals provide services to meet individual patient needs 24/7/365, provide free or discounted care to low-income patients, and are paid less than cost for services provide to patients covered by governmental insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

*** The chargemaster is subject to change and may not reflect the current charge amount.

Pricing-Transparency 2025 – Download the Chargemaster HERE

Contact Our Hospital for More Information: 

Lisa DesJarden
Director of Revenue Cycle

Phone: 906-341-1876
Email: ldesjarden@scmh.org

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Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
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Read what Patients have to say about Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

Everyone in the ambulatory care/outpatient surgery were great!! They all made me feel very comfortable and did a great job!!! thank you to the whole outpatient staff and Doctor Rayner..I would recommend Schoolcraft or patient to anyone in need of surgery

Reviewer: Jeremy Sitkoski

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5 out of 5 stars

The care that was provided by The nurses (Cindy, Felicia Ruth) and staff was exceptional. The entire staff was very friendly and made you feel welcome. We received a call from Felicia the next day to check on my husband to check his pain level and do a follow up. The surgery area from check in to check out was well organized, clean, and up to date. Thank you to all of you for what you do so well and everything beyond your normal duties.

Reviewer: Maureen DesChamps

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5 out of 5 stars

Dr vix was very very good doctor best ever
Doc has an awesome bedside manner and quickly diagnosed my issue
Professional treatment! Very good care!
He laughed at my jokes! Plus did a fine job on my problem.
Excellent physician with a great, caring personality
Everyone is always nice and professional and treat you like a real person not just a case number. They explain everything and make you feel comfortable.
My procedure went very well. All in my experience were professional and very helpful. Dr. Bambach was complete and professional. He completed my procedure and very quickly sent me a detailed report of his findings. I'm very pleased with the total experience there.
Doing good
Wonderful very pleasant. Great staff very informative and kind
He was very helpful ,he explained what was giving me so much pain and ordered test to confirm his diagnosis the next morning his Nurse called and let me know what was happening and he sent Dr.Adair an emergency notice to get me seen ASAP
Had a 3 inch cut in my stomach from a circular saw, he was great, easy going and gentle. Great care, and he explained everything really well!
Very pleasant personality very informative!
I saw Doctor Schoenow on 9/3/25. All the support staff were very prompt and supportive. Specialists described what they were doing and why. Dr. Shoenow took time to explain what he thought was going on with me and what he planned to do to explore the causes. A couple times he stopped at my room to apologize for the wait, describe what was going on, and offer projected time frames. Before discharge, he reviewed his findings, recommended treatment, recommended follow-up with my primary physician, and responded to my questions.
His demeanor was professional, friendly, and contributed to stress-reduction.
Dr. Niemela was very knowledgeable and friendly, and he patiently listened to my complaints. He offered numerous treatment options, and gave me a cortisone shot that day. He also gave me instructions for several stretches and ice massage. I will definitely return to him when needed.
Jen was very thorough, and informative, I look forward to seeing her again
Dr. Vix Is an excellent doctor. It is very obvious that he loves what he does in helping people. I was very appreciative at the help that I got from him yesterday and through the next few days.
He is amazing and you should keep him on staff as long as he wants to work whatever the cost
Fast, Friendly and efficient.
There was a long wait due to the phones being down and an emergency flight but otherwise everything was great I ripped some stitches and they patched me right up
The Dr took time to go overy MRI with me and explain in detail his thoughts. I wish all Drs were like this again. I would recommend him without hesitation.
He is extremely thorough and amazing! Makes you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
Listens, Explains, Pleasant, On time
Friendly and seems to check on my numbers. I really appreciate the follow up on my blood tests.
Dr Vix’s is fantastic, personal, friendly, knowledgeable, fun, caring. Compassionate, easy to communicate with.
His whole team was fantastic. Everything he did was quick and easy. Would definitely refer to anyone in the U.P.
Dr Anderson is clear and succinct. He speaks to the patient even when a guardian is present. He is wonderfully suited for his role.
Dr Rayner was very informative and answered all my questions. He was very good to work with.
Once again Dr Hovey was very good as he reviewed my findings and explored options for treatment. Very comfortable with him.
Dr. Vix did everything in his power to get me out of the ER as quickly as possible, even though every bed was full.