Surprise Medical Bills: Are You Being Overcharged?

Surprise Medical Bills: Patients Across the US Face Unexpected 'Facility Fees' Philadelphia, PA – NBC News is investigating the growing number of reports about patients receiving unexpected "facility fees" after routine medical appointments. These fees, often hundreds of dollars, are added to bills from outpatient doctor's offices and telehealth visits, even when the patient did not receive services at a hospital or larger facility. "Have you gotten a surprise 'facility fee' when seeing a doctor?" asks Elizabeth Chuck, an NBC Philadelphia reporter, in a recent video. Chuck explains that these fees are a significant problem, preventing some people from seeking necessary medical care. "It's actually keeping them from making really important appointments," she says. NBC News is collecting data from affected patients through an online form, hoping to shed light on the causes and consequences of these surprise bills. The form asks patients to provide details about their appointments, the amount of the fee, and their location. The goal is to determine the extent of the problem and advocate for greater transparency and fairness in medical billing. One patient, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their experience with NBC News. "I was shocked when I saw the bill. I had a simple checkup, and the facility fee was almost as much as the doctor's visit itself." This sentiment is echoed by many others who have contacted NBC News. NBC News' investigation aims to help patients understand their rights and hold healthcare providers accountable for unexpected charges. The collected data will be used to raise awareness and potentially lead to policy changes that protect consumers from unfair billing practices.