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Have you noticed more “hospital-owned” clinics popping up in your area lately?
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Have you noticed more “hospital-owned” clinics popping up in your area lately?
There’s growing concern about a shift happening quietly in healthcare right now.
Hospitals have increasingly been buying up independent physician practices — and once those clinics are reclassified as “hospital outpatient departments,” the billing changes. What used to be a $15–$50 copay can suddenly become a four-figure bill because of added facility fees.
One example shared with our team:
A 10-minute visit.
One medication suggestion.
$1,100 bill.According to the article Dr. Mollie James referenced from the Pacific Research Institute, this isn’t random. Government payment policies and regulatory structures often reimburse hospital-owned clinics at higher rates than independent practices for the exact same service. Over time, that financial pressure pushes independent doctors toward hospital acquisition — not necessarily by choice, but by survival.
As Dr. James noted:
“Independent practices are not disappearing by accident. Payment disparities and regulatory barriers create conditions that make hospital acquisition the more viable path. The long-term effects show up in ownership patterns and pricing.”
Have you seen independent clinics in your area being absorbed by hospital systems, and have you noticed a difference in billing, access, or the care experience since then?
Curious to hear what’s happening on the ground where you live.
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2 Replies
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Here is the article Dr. James referenced : https://medecon.org/issue-brief-government-policy-is-consolidating-the-practice-of-medicine/
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This is definitely happening in Vero Beach, FL. Cleveland Clinic is charging excessive facility fees on doctors visits and many people are complaining.
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