Oregon physicians are urging the state Senate to pass Senate Bill 539, aiming to protect patients from hidden medical fees.
SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon physicians are urging the state Senate to pass Senate Bill 539, aiming to protect patients from hidden medical fees. According to the physicians, these "facility fees" can deter patients from seeking necessary care due to unexpected costs. The debate over Senate Bill 539 intensifies as the Hospital Association of Oregon voices concerns about its potential impact.
According to the association, the bill could destabilize Oregon’s health care system by eliminating facility fees, which are crucial for many hospitals to operate.
The association argues hospital based facilities, which often manage patients with complex needs, are not like independent physician offices. They are held to rigorous licensing standards and manage emergency transfers within their health system. They say SB 539 penalizes these facilities, potentially leading to closures and service reductions, especially in rural areas.
Dr. Shandra Greig, a family medicine physician in Silverton, emphasized the impact of these fees on patient decisions. "Facility fees can turn simple, inexpensive procedures into major, unexpected financial setbacks," Greig said. She stressed the importance of the bill in bringing predictability and transparency to health care costs.
The bill, which passed out of the Senate Committee on Health Care earlier this month, is now awaiting a vote in the full Senate.
Dr. Christine Bugas, a retired emergency medicine physician, shared a poignant story highlighting the financial fears patients face. "Every single patient I have ever met wonders what’s about to happen to them and how much it will cost," Bugas said.
Dr. Rishi Rattan, a trauma surgeon in Portland, noted the critical nature of follow-up care and how financial worries cause patients to skip necessary appointments. "Oregonians, physicians, and patients alike, overwhelmingly support putting an end to these surprise charges," Rattan said.
The Hospital Association of Oregon also highlighted that SB 539 "will further destabilize the state's fragile health care system, reducing patient access to care. Many are seeking partners to remain financially viable."
The association says facility fees help cover the cost of essential services like 24-7 emergency care and offset regulatory cost
The association warns that more than half of Oregon's hospitals are operating at a loss, leading to staff and service cuts. "If Oregon passes SB 539 and eliminates this source of payment, hospitals will face greater financial strain, leading to service reductions," the Hospital Association of Oregon said.
The physicians advocate for SB 539 as a means to protect patients, restore trust, and make health care more accessible.