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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 KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo
In Laredo , where healthcare access is a significant concern, the issue of surprise facility fees can have a disproportionate impact on residents. Patients visiting hospital-owned clinics in Webb County may face similar unexpected charges, adding hundreds of dollars to their medical bills. The lack of transparency in billing practices can be particularly problematic for those with limited financial resources or inadequate health insurance coverage. As local healthcare providers continue to consolidate and expand their services, it is crucial for patients to be aware of the potential for facility fees and to carefully review their medical bills. The city's residents should also be vigilant in advocating for clearer disclosure of these charges and more transparent billing practices from local healthcare providers, ensuring that patients are not caught off guard by unexpected expenses.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caresse Jackman at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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