Medical bills are confusing…and can be costly. Finding a way to ensure that the bill is corrected is often a time-consuming process. But it is a process that you should undertake, given the fact that medical bills are often plagued by errors that result in significant costs for patients.

REQUEST AN ITEMIZED MEDICAL BILL

Requesting a detailed, itemized bill will allow you to see every service charged. This makes it easier to spot areas to dispute, including services that weren’t provided or charges that appear to be exorbitant).

ASK QUESTIONS

Don’t pay your bill until all of your questions are answered. Some of them might need to be addressed to your insurance company while others might need to be directed to the provider/facility. Don’t let anyone tell you they can’t provide the substantiation of the charges. It is your right to have access to ALL information concerning your account. If necessary, work your way up the chain of command until you are satisfied.

NEGOTIATE

It is better to receive a reduced payment now than get a higher payment at some point down the road. Providers/facilities often provide immediate payment discounts, cash-customer discounts, and other discounts based on your financial circumstances. Ask about payment options….it could save you money.

SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF AN EXPERIENCED MEDICAL CLAIMS ADVOCATE

When all else fails, speaking to medical claims advocate could open doors to savings. Advocates with medical billing experience often uncover little-known billing procedures that have inflated the cost of your care. Utilizing their expertise can results in savings for you.