Washington hospital charged thousands of patients hidden ER fee, lawsuit claims

A former patient of Richland, Wash.-based Kadlec Regional Medical Center claims the hospital charged him and thousands of other patients a hidden emergency room fee.

Former patient Stephen Bradford filed the class-action lawsuit in March. He alleges there was an undisclosed $1,400 "cover charge" on the emergency room bill he received from KRMC from an April 2017 visit, according to KAPP-KVEW.

The hospital admitted in court documents that it charges a facility fee for emergency department services, but it denies that the fee is an "undisclosed surcharge."

"Kadlec Regional Medical Center is proud of our longstanding practice of providing patients with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their care," the hospital said in a statement to KAPP-KVEW. "Kadlec is aware of the recently filed lawsuit; we believe it is without merit. We are committed to our mission of providing safe, compassionate care, and are confident in our patient financial services"

The hospital filed a breach of contract counterclaim against Mr. Bradford to collect the $5,100 he allegedly owes the hospital for two ER visits.

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