An Eastern Kentucky hospital has enacted a new service fee. Pikeville Medical Center has begun charging patients a 17 dollar service fee before they are allowed to see their doctor. PMC’s representative Laura Damron says that the fee is necessary to keep the hospital fluid in the current economy, but many patients have complained about the added cost for their healthcare. According to officials the hospital is charging the fee to the patients insurance, but any costs not covered become the patient’s responsibility. According patients you may be forced to pay the fee several times in one visit, if you have to visit multiple doctors. PMC has officially stated that they have not turned anyone away for lack of payment.