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Christensen: Predatory hospital practices are financially toxic for Americans

As governors from across the country gather in the Beehive State for the National Governors Association Summer Meeting this week, health care — particularly its high costs and the overall uncertainty in the system — will surely be discussed. Governors must also focus on addressing predatory hospital practices against financially vulnerable patients, including Utahns.

People turn to hospitals when they are desperate for care and, in many cases, experiencing emergencies. Patients shouldn’t have to worry about financial ruin as a result of emergency medical procedures or hospital visits. Unfortunately, such visits can become financially toxic for patients as a result of hospital practices designed to maximize profits.