Hospitals Charging Billions in Extra Fees, Lawmakers Move to Limit Costs

U.S. hospitals are charging billions in facility fees to patients for using hospital-owned clinics and doctor's offices
These fees can add hundreds of dollars to routine medical bills like check-ups and screenings
Hospitals claim the fees help cover regulatory costs, but Medicare advisers say they lead to overpayment
Some states have banned extra fees for telehealth, preventative care, or required disclosure
A hospital trade group argues the fees provide needed revenue, but federal lawmakers aim to limit charges