What Is a Charge Description Master (CDM)?

A Charge Description Master (CDM), or "chargemaster," is a hospital's master price list for every single service, supply, and procedure it provides. This list contains the starting "sticker price" for an item before any insurance discounts are applied.

Why It Matters

The prices on the chargemaster are the foundation for a hospital's bills and are often much higher than what insurance plans actually pay. For uninsured patients, these high initial charges can be the starting point for negotiations.

How Mira Mace Can Help

Hospital bills can be inflated with chargemaster prices. An advocate knows how to scrutinize your bills against this list, identify errors, and negotiate with the hospital based on standard reimbursement rates. We also help you apply for financial assistance, which is calculated based on these charges.