Visiting the ER late at night could cost you more

Emergency rooms are open 24 hours for good reason. So why are some patients charged extra for ER visits after business hours?

Experts who help consumers with medical bills are asking the same question.

Although it’s not common, “after-hours” surcharges may be on the rise, according to Kaiser Health News.

“We’ve definitely been seeing these surcharges a lot more this year than in the past,” said Candice Butcher, vice president of Medical Billing Advocates of America in Roanoke, Virginia.

In addition to regular ER fees, some patients see $30 to $200 tacked onto their bill for visiting late at night.

The rationale for the charge is extra costs associated with operations and staff outside regular working hours, KHN reports. That includes salaries that are usually higher for overnight work.

“You’re paying people to be on staff during nighttime hours, and there are potentially extra costs there,” Dr. Rebecca Parker, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, told a KHN reporter.

She says emergency room doctors rarely bill an overnight charge.

Have you ever been charged extra for an after-hours visit to the ER? Share your story with Voices for Affordable Health.