Surprise Bills: Patients Face Hidden Hospital Fees

Patients visiting doctors' offices owned by hospitals are increasingly being charged unexpected "facility fees." These charges, unrelated to the actual medical service received, can range from $25 to thousands of dollars and are appearing on bills for routine appointments like annual physicals or telehealth visits. These fees are designed to help hospitals cover their significant operational expenses, but they are now being applied even in outpatient settings after hospital acquisitions of independent clinics.

Consumer advocacy group U.S. PIRG highlights that these facility fees inflate medical costs and discourage people from seeking timely care. For example, Beth Davis of Ohio was billed $2,667.45, including a $2,418 facility fee, for a cortisone shot. Many states do not require hospitals to inform patients about these potential extra charges in advance, with some offering only a vague sign on the day of the appointment, by which time it is too late.

While 21 U.S. states offer some protection, with nine barring certain outpatient facility fees and thirteen requiring notification, consumer advocates argue these measures are insufficient. The rising prevalence of these fees, as roughly 50% of community practices are now hospital-owned, means many consumers are facing unavoidable additional costs. Concerns about affording healthcare are widespread, with a significant portion of Americans worried about medical expenses.