As a senior living on a fixed income, I know how important it is to make every dollar count. As a patient, I’ve learned that health care costs are often impossible to predict. No patient should have to worry that the same visit to a doctor or medical test could cost dramatically more simply because of who owns the doctor’s office.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s happening. Across Pennsylvania, large hospital systems have bought up independent physician practices and converted them into hospital outpatient departments. Patients still see the same doctor in the same office and receive the same care, but they’re often charged much higher prices simply because the practice is now owned by a hospital system. Patients often don’t even know the office has changed ownership until they get the bill.

When you’re managing a serious illness, your focus should be on getting well, not wondering how you’ll pay for your next appointment.

Congress has an opportunity to fix this problem by passing site-neutral payment reforms, which would ensure Medicare pays the same amount for the same service regardless of where it’s provided.

Congress should stand up for Pennsylvania patients by supporting site-neutral payment reform. Families, seniors and taxpayers deserve a healthcare system that puts patients first.

Veronica M. Comfort
Allentown, PA