I have noticed on recent visits to my local hospital (wife's appointment, not me this time) how much hospital parking charges have risen. Some years back, when I was visiting for ostovisits, it was about £1.20 per hour. It is now £1.80 UK (2.86 US). I only want to park my car; I have no desire to actually purchase the car park.
It is also potluck if the department/doctor/surgeon/nurse is running on time. Your visit time can also tick over into the 3rd or 4th hours. Thus, being a couple of minutes late back to your car can cost you an extra full hour's parking charge.
I did, however, visit a friend in hospital recently, at a town 30 miles from me. Guess what? Parking was free!!