‘Facility Fees’ An Extra Sting For Hospital Patients Already Facing High Bills
While many hospitals around the country explain the fees on their websites, lawmakers in Congress and some states have called for greater upfront explanations of billing practices to patients.
The Desert Sun:
Extra Hospital 'Facility Fees' Irk Patients
Facility fees have been part of the complex health-care billing landscape since around 2000, when Medicare introduced new standards, but they've remained controversial while becoming more common. Hospitals say the money helps make up for low Medicare reimbursement rates and pay expenses beyond those directly associated with patient care, ranging from an electric bill to emergency room. Consumer groups, however, say hospitals are charging patients, insurance companies and Medicare more without justification. (Newkirk, 7/15)