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Hospital-Owned Practices' Facility Fees Shock Patients Nationwide

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Facility fees charged by hospital-owned doctors’ offices began in 2023 and raise patient bills.
The fees range from about $25 to thousands of dollars and apply to outpatient services.
U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) says about 50% of community practices are hospital-owned, making these fees common.
Some states regulate facility fees, but advocates seek stronger protections to prevent surprise billing.

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Story summary

Facility fees charged by hospital-owned doctors’ offices began in 2023 and raise patient bills.
The fees range from about $25 to thousands of dollars and apply to outpatient services.
U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) says about 50% of community practices are hospital-owned, making these fees common.
Some states regulate facility fees, but advocates seek stronger protections to prevent surprise billing.