What is a Charge Description Master?

A charge description master (CDM), also known as a chargemaster, is a comprehensive listing of all billable services, procedures, medications, and supplies offered by a hospital or healthcare facility, along with their standard prices. This database serves as the foundation for hospital billing systems and typically contains thousands of items with corresponding codes and charges that may differ significantly from actual reimbursement rates.

Why charge description masters matter

• Determines initial bills: Sets starting prices before insurance negotiations
• Affects uninsured patients: Creates baseline charges for those paying directly
• Influences price transparency: Key component in hospital price disclosure requirements

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help you understand hospital chargemaster prices, negotiate discounts based on typical insurance rates, and explore financial assistance options. Advocates can also help compare charges across facilities for planned procedures.