Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc

Patients who visit hospital-owned doctors’ offices are being hit with surprise facility fees that have nothing to do with the medical treatment they receive. These charges, ranging from $25 to thousands of dollars, are appearing on patients’ bills for routine exams, tests, and telehealth appointments, according to a report from U.S. PIRG.

Facility fees are meant to help hospitals cover their high overhead costs, such as specialized equipment and overnight care. However, when hospitals acquire independent physician clinics that do not have these same expenses, patients are still being charged these fees in outpatient settings.

The consumer advocacy group found that facility fees are driving up medical costs and discouraging some people from seeking necessary care. Patricia Kelmar, senior director of health care campaigns at U.S. PIRG, expressed concern over the impact of these fees on patients’ access to healthcare.

These facility fees first appeared in 2023 and have become more common as hospitals acquire independent practices. Approximately 50% of community practices are now owned by hospitals, making it difficult for patients to avoid these fees.

One of the biggest frustrations for patients is the lack of advance notice about these charges. Only a few states require hospitals to inform patients beforehand, leaving many people surprised by the additional costs when they receive their bills.

Beth Davis from Mentor, Ohio, shared her experience of being charged a hefty facility fee for a simple cortisone shot at a hospital-owned clinic. Despite not receiving any additional services or observation, she was billed over $2,400 for the facility fee alone.

While some states have regulations in place to protect consumers from facility fees, Kelmar believes that stronger rules are needed to prevent patients from being blindsided by these charges. She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in healthcare billing practices.

With two-thirds of Americans expressing concerns about affording healthcare, the issue of surprise facility fees adds to the financial burden faced by many individuals. It is crucial for policymakers and healthcare providers to address these fees and ensure that patients are not faced with unexpected costs for routine medical care.