Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables: differences and uses

Hospital billing requires precision in choosing the correct price tables. The Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables are among the main references used by hospitals and clinics in Brazil, but many professionals still have questions about the characteristics of each one, their differences and specific uses.

For managers in the financial and administrative areas of healthcare institutions, understanding these tables is essential to avoid denials, optimize revenue and stay compliant with health plans. In this article, you will learn what these tables are, their main differences and how to use them correctly in your hospital.

What are the Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables in hospital billing?

The Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables are two distinct entities that provide price references for the Brazilian healthcare sector. Many professionals confuse these tables, but each has specific characteristics and uses.

Brasíndice is a medicine price index maintained by the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisas Hospitalares (Ebserh). SIMPRO, a magazine, is a price table focused on medical materials and equipment.

Brasíndice: the reference for medicines

The Brasíndice table works as a national medicine price index used mainly by private hospitals and health plans. This table is updated periodically and serves as the basis for contract negotiations.

Main characteristics:

• Exclusive focus on medicines.

• Monthly updates.

• Basis for contracts with health plans.

• A recognized national reference.

SIMPRO: medical materials and equipment

The SIMPRO table lists prices for medical and hospital materials, equipment and devices used in procedures. It is an important reference for the purchasing and billing departments.

Main characteristics:

• Covers medical and hospital materials.

• Includes equipment and devices.

• Used in public tenders.

• Basis for pricing procedures.

How should each table be used in hospital billing?

How the Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables are used in hospital billing depends on the type of item being charged. Each table has its specific use, and using the wrong reference can generate unnecessary denials.

For medicines: always use the Brasíndice Table as the main reference. For example, when billing a hospital stay that included the use of high-cost antibiotics, the amount should be based on the current Brasíndice table.

For medical materials:the SIMPRO Table is the appropriate reference in this case. When charging for materials used in surgery, such as prostheses or special devices, the SIMPRO table provides up-to-date market prices.

A practical example

A patient underwent cardiac surgery that used:

• Medicines (antibiotics, anesthetics): Brasíndice reference.

• Coronary stent: SIMPRO reference.

• General surgical material: SIMPRO reference.

This separation keeps hospital billing aligned with market practice and reduces questions from health plans.

What is the difference between Brasíndice and SIMPRO for hospitals?

The main differences between the Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables relate directly to how hospital billing can be done efficiently. Understanding these differences prevents costly errors when charging for procedures.

Product scope

• Brasíndice: exclusively medicines registered with Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency).

• SIMPRO: medical materials, equipment and devices.

Update frequency

• Brasíndice: every two weeks, with the possibility of extraordinary updates.

• SIMPRO: every two months, following market variations.

Pricing methodology

• Brasíndice: based on a survey of prices charged in the hospital market.

• SIMPRO: considers production costs and industry margins.

Impact on negotiations with health plans

Health plans recognize these tables as legitimate references, but each one for its specific segment. Mixing up the references can generate questions and delay payments.

Tips for improving hospital billing

• Always keep the tables up to date.

• Train the team to identify which table to use.

• Document the choice of reference in your processes.

• Monitor denials related to incorrect pricing.

How to handle hospital billing using these tables

The hospital billing department should establish clear processes for applying the Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables. Organizing these processes properly has a direct impact on the institution’s revenue.

Structuring the process

1. Item identification: the team must correctly classify whether the item is a medicine (Brasíndice) or a material/equipment (SIMPRO).

2. Table lookup: check the product code and its price in the corresponding table.

3. Applying contract discounts: take into account the percentages negotiated with each health plan.

4. Documentation: record the reference used for future audits.

An example of an operational workflow

A 150-bed hospital can structure its billing as follows:

Medicines (Brasíndice)

• The hospital pharmacy codes items according to Brasíndice

• The system integrates the prices automatically

• The billing department applies contract discounts

Materials (SIMPRO)

• The storeroom uses SIMPRO codes

• The operating room records consumption per procedure

• The billing department consolidates costs per patient

What does the hospital billing department do with these tables?

The hospital billing department has specific responsibilities in using the Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables. These activities are essential to secure appropriate revenue and avoid financial losses.

Main activities

Procedure pricing: use the tables as the basis for setting the prices of materials and medicines in each procedure performed.

Contract analysis: periodically review the discount percentages applied to the tables, negotiating better terms when necessary.

Denial control: monitor rejections related to price discrepancies and adjust processes to reduce them.

Prospective audit: check whether the amounts charged are in line with the tables before submission to health plans.

Performance indicators

To measure how efficiently the tables are used, track:

• Denial rate due to price discrepancies: target below 3%

• Average claim release time: 5 business days maximum

• Revenue per occupied bed: compare with industry benchmarks

• Contribution margin by specialty: analyze profitability

How to choose between Brasíndice and SIMPRO in specific cases

Some items can raise questions about which table to use. The right decision has a direct impact on the success of hospital billing and the relationship with health plans.

Cases that raise questions

Parenteral solutions: although they are medicines, some health plans accept pricing by the SIMPRO table when they are used as a vehicle for other medicines.

Surgical kits: pre-assembled materials can be priced individually (SIMPRO) or as a set, depending on the contract.

Disposable equipment: items such as special catheters should follow the SIMPRO table, even when related to the administration of medicines.

Decision matrix

To make the choice easier, use this matrix:

Use Brasíndice when:

• The item is registered as a medicine with Anvisa

• The product is administered directly to the patient

• The contract specifies medicines by Brasíndice

Use SIMPRO when:

• The item is classified as a medical and hospital material

• The product is a device or equipment

• The contract specifies materials by SIMPRO

Updating and maintaining the tables in the hospital

Keeping the tables up to date is crucial for hospital billing to run well. Outdated tables can cause significant financial losses and problems with health plans.

Brasíndice

1. Download the new table every 15 days.

2. Compare it with prices charged internally.

3. Update the hospital management system.

4. Notify the areas involved.

SIMPRO

1. Check for updates every two months.

2. Analyze the impact on hospital costs.

3. Renegotiate with suppliers when necessary.

4. Adjust contracts with health plans.

Financial impact of updates

An average hospital can see price variations of 3% to 8% between updates. Delays in implementing them mean direct revenue losses, especially for high‑cost medicines.

A practical example: a cancer drug that cost R$ 15,000 in the previous table may have its price updated to R$ 16,200. A 30-day delay in the update means a loss of R$ 1,200 per patient treated.

Conclusion

Using the Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables correctly is essential to the financial success of hospitals and clinics. Understanding the differences between these references, applying them properly and maintaining efficient update processes have a direct impact on institutions’ revenue.

For hospital managers, investing in team training and in systematizing billing processes delivers a guaranteed return through fewer denials and optimized revenue.

Rivio can help your hospital implement efficient processes for billing and price table management. Get in touch and find out how our solution can transform your financial results.

FAQ – frequently asked questions

1. What is the difference between the Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables?

Brasíndice is the specific table for medicines, while the SIMPRO table covers medical and hospital materials and equipment. They are distinct tables with different uses in hospital billing.

2. How do I know whether to use Brasíndice or SIMPRO?

Use the Brasíndice table for medicines registered with Anvisa, and the SIMPRO table for medical materials, equipment and devices used in hospital procedures.

3. How often are the tables updated?

The Brasíndice table is updated every 15 days, while SIMPRO is updated bimonthly (every two months). It is important to use the most recent versions.

4. Do health plans accept these tables as a reference?

Yes, both Brasíndice and SIMPRO are widely accepted as market references by the main health plans in Brazil.

5. Can I negotiate discounts on these tables?

Yes, it is common to negotiate discount or markup percentages on the table prices, depending on the volume and the relationship with each health plan.

6. What happens if I use the wrong table in billing?

Using the wrong table can generate denials, questions from the health plan and delays in payment. It is important to train the team to avoid these errors.

7. Where can I access the updated Brasíndice and SIMPRO tables?

The tables are made available by the organizations responsible for them. Many hospital management systems update them automatically with a subscription.

8. How do I train my team to use these tables correctly?

Organize regular training focused on correctly identifying items and applying each table. Use practical examples from day-to-day hospital work.

9. Do these tables influence negotiations with suppliers?

Yes, the tables serve as a reference for purchasing negotiations, making it possible to compare whether the prices offered by suppliers are in line with the market.

10. How can I monitor whether I am using the tables correctly?

Track indicators such as the denial rate due to price discrepancies and claim release time, and compare your revenue with hospital industry benchmarks.