Once her doctor’s office was bought by Novant Health, Rebecca Smith’s bill shot up from $75 for a routine office visit and blood draw, to nearly $400– all because of hospital outpatient fees.

“I’m going to the same office. I’m seeing the same doctor. I’m having the same follow-up appointment I always have — and then, all of a sudden, they changed the billing. I felt like what they did was really dirty.” – Rebecca Smith

The average ultrasound bill in North Carolina jumped from $191 to $460 with the inclusion of a facility fee, one study found. Unfortunately, this is growing increasingly common with corporate hospital systems.

Since starting her treatments in 2017, Smith has relied on Novant’s services, trusting that her healthcare provider would support her. Instead, she was hit with an unexpected bill that is reflective of hospital consolidation across the country. Patients “have no choice but to get their care in hospital-owned facilities — and to pay the associated facility fees.”

Novant is not just impacting one patient’s financial situation with high facility fees; they are eroding trust and instilling fear in all North Carolinians who may now avoid necessary care because of hidden costs.

Better Solutions is committed to holding hospitals accountable for their lack of transparency. Urgent reform is needed to protect patients from shocking fee increases and ensure that healthcare remains available for everyone.