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HOSPITAL FEE: It makes patients sick

| April 30, 2010 10:00 PM

I am cancer survivor.  After seeing my doctor for my bi-annual check up, I received two bills, one from my doctor and the other from Kootenai Medical for $149.60. I called for an explanation of this $149.60 charge and was told it is a "facility fee." I asked why I was being charged for this and was not given any explanation other than it is an allowable charge, by Kootenai Medical Center, which is not paid for by my insurance and according to my insurance company this fee is being widely questioned by other patients.

I am not charged a so called "facility fee" when I go to see any other doctor. In doing my research, I have been told the new cancer center is paid for and since cancer treatment is very expensive, I find this "facility fee" to be abhorrent. I can only stand in awe of the audacity of this charge and know why our health care is in such a mess!

MISCHEL ANTHONY

Coeur d’Alene