KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT/AP) — Several East Tennessee hospitals are on a federal list of facilities warned for failing to properly disclose healthcare pricing information to patients.
The Trump administration has sent warning letters to more than 500 hospitals nationwide, including 16 in Tennessee. Among those in East Tennessee are Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital (formerly East Tennessee Children’s Hospital) in Knoxville, Bradley Medical Center-Westside Campus in Cleveland, Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation in Chattanooga, and Sweetwater Hospital Association.
Officials say the hospitals are not fully complying with federal rules requiring clear, accessible pricing information for medical services. The goal is to help patients better understand costs in advance and avoid unexpected bills.
Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital (formerly East Tennessee Children’s Hospital) and several others in the region have been asked to submit corrective action plans. Others across the state received formal warning notices.
Federal officials say hospitals that fail to address the issues could face penalties of up to $2 million per year.
Healthcare experts note that while price transparency rules are intended to improve competition and lower costs, the information can still be difficult for patients to interpret.
The Tennessee Hospital Association has not commented specifically on the East Tennessee facilities, but industry groups say many hospitals are working to improve how pricing data is presented.
Meanwhile, federal leaders say enforcement is expected to increase, with more hospitals potentially receiving warning letters in the coming months.
