We all know health care costs a lot in the States, but did you realize that your potential costs can vary dramatically by the state? Or even by county? By how much you ask? Well, this awesome infographic aims to help answer that question. The data was taken from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). They looked at the costs of 100 different diagnosis-related groups and their costs in different regions of the country.

As you look at the data, remember an important note.

In medicine, just like all aspects of life, you often get what you pay for. Meaning the best care, by the most highly trained specialists will cost you a lot more. However, how much more can certainly vary – as you will see by looking through some of the data. Just by living in certain areas of the country you might end up paying 5x the amount you would have been charged elsewhere.

This brings up the question of whether or not you would be best served to get that procedure done locally for more, or somewhere else in the county for less. I am always a fan of locally, as a medical intervention can be stressful enough without having to add in travel and recovering in an unfamiliar location. Still, it might be worth thinking about in certain situations. Before you even think about getting your procedure done somewhere else, remember to consult your doctor to make sure traveling in your condition is safe!

Well, without further ado.. Enjoy!