Hidden Hospital Fees Double Doctor Bills

A growing number of Americans are facing unexpected medical facility fees, significantly increasing their healthcare costs. In 2024 alone, 31 million Americans accumulated $74 billion in medical debt, partly due to these charges. Hospitals are increasingly purchasing independent clinics and offices, then imposing facility fees for services rendered, sometimes even when patients have not physically entered the hospital.

These fees, ranging from $50 to over $1,000, can double the cost of routine outpatient care, such as checkups, mammograms, and telehealth appointments. Suzanne Maguire, for instance, received a second bill for a minor procedure performed at a suburban clinic affiliated with Mass Eye and Ear hospital.

Consumer advocates highlight that these facility fees are often applied without patient notification. While hospitals argue these fees are necessary to maintain essential services and cover underpayments from government programs, critics contend they escalate healthcare spending. The American Hospital Association states facility fees support round-the-clock emergency care and stricter regulations for outpatient clinics handling sicker patients.

Several states are now reviewing hospital fees for outpatient care and advocating for enhanced consumer protections and transparency. As of early 2026, 22 states have enacted laws to address facility fees, aiming to prevent surprise bills. However, no state has yet eliminated these extra charges entirely at outpatient locations, with advocates pushing for a 'same service, same price' standard.