By Chris Faddis
Experiences like Tim Ebel’s are unfolding every day, all across our nation and they highlight an urgent problem with our healthcare system: a gross lack of transparency which leads to out-of-control healthcare costs that have nothing to do with the care provided. Tim’s visit to an ENT specialist cost him $993 – $348 to see the specialist and an extra $645 just for stepping foot into the medical office building.
This additional cost, in this case known as a ‘facility fee,’ gets charged to patients after their visit simply for using the building where the appointment/operation occurred. These outrageous fees cannot be contested by the patients, and insurance does not cover them. From routine checkups to complex surgeries, American’s are being surprised with these and other unnecessary fees. …