Legislative language to restrict hospital billing rates in outpatient clinics continues to divide lawmakers as they try to coalesce around a broader health care package, with concerns about rural hospitals stalling progress in the Senate.
The language is aimed at preventing hospitals from buying up independent physician practices and then billing for the same services at a higher rate. Critics allege the practice unnecessarily increases costs, while hospitals argue their own costs are higher.
Some so-called “site-neutral” policies are included in every major piece of health care legislation moving through the committees of jurisdiction, with the exception of legislation from the Senate Finance Committee. Finance Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said he’s still working to understand how the policy would impact rural hospitals.
