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Costly Care: Patients say surprise ‘facility fees’ from hospital-owned clinics add hundreds to routine doctor visits
By Caresse Jackman at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 6, 2026
· 6 min read
(InvestigateTV) — On the eastern shores of Virginia, Corinne Vincent makes staying fit a priority. She can often be found outside with her service dog, Siggy. And when she’s not feeling well, she makes it a priority to get herself checked out.That’s what she did in February of 2024, visiting a ga...
Key takeaway That’s what she did in February of 2024, visiting a gastroenterologist and a general surgeon for some gastrointestinal issues and a hernia consultation.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
In Atlanta , where hospital-owned clinics are prevalent, patients may face similar surprise facility fees, adding hundreds to their routine doctor visits. The lack of transparency in billing practices, as seen in Corinne Vincent's case, can lead to confusion and financial burden for patients. Atlanta residents who visit hospital-owned clinics should be aware of the potential for these extra charges, even if their appointment feels like a standard doctor's office visit. The fact that Vincent was only informed of the facility fee after signing an electronic check-in form with unclear language raises concerns about patient notification and education in Atlanta's medical facilities. As the city's healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for local hospitals and clinics to prioritize transparent billing practices and ensure that patients are fully informed about potential costs before their appointments.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (InvestigateTV) — On the eastern shores of Virginia, Corinne Vincent makes staying fit a priority. She can often be found outside with her service dog, Siggy. And when she’s not feeling well, she makes it a priority to get herself checked out.That’s what she did in February of 2024, visiting a ga...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caresse Jackman at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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