Let's tackle a topic that can be a real headache: wrong medical bills. It's frustrating and confusing when you receive a bill that doesn't seem right, but fear not! With a little know-how and persistence, you can navigate through this maze of medical billing errors. Let's dive in and empower ourselves to fix this before it puts us in a bad mood!
9 Steps to Realistic Medical Bills
Review Your Bills Carefully: The first step in correcting a wrong medical bill is to carefully review each line item. Look for any services or charges that seem unfamiliar or incorrect. Check the dates and the doctor. Mistakes happen due to coding errors or billing oversights. This happens over 95% of the time.
Keep Detailed Records: As a caregiver or a senior managing your own finances, it's crucial to keep detailed records of all medical appointments, procedures, and services received. This documentation will serve as evidence when disputing incorrect charges. Take that notebook with you when you visit your doctor. Make sure all bills coincide with your notes.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage: Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage and benefits. If you are a member of the Senior Freedom Club, see your Guidebook dedicated to this very question. Understanding what services are covered and what you will pay for will help you identify billing errors more easily.
Contact the Billing Department: Start with your doctor’s billing department, not Medicare or Medicaid. If you spot a mistake on your medical bill, don't hesitate. It doesn't go away. Be prepared to provide specific details about the error and any supporting documentation you have. And you are not done. You MUST follow up in 3 weeks to see if this was corrected.
Ask for an Itemized Bill: Request an itemized bill from your doctor’s office. An itemized bill breaks down the charges for each service or procedure your doctor gave you. Many times you will be charged for things that you never agreed on. For example, “Patient was surveyed for falls.” This means the medical assistant who roomed you asked you if you had fallen in the last three months. Did you agree to pay for this?
Dispute the Charges in Writing: If the billing department doesn't resolve the issue to your satisfaction, consider disputing the charges in writing. Send a formal letter outlining the errors you've identified and requesting a correction. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.
Now this gets tricky.
One insurance company told me she is required to throw out your request three times before she will look at it. This way they hope you ignore the mistakes and just pay the bill. Be persistent.
Follow Up Regularly: Don't be afraid to follow up regularly with the billing department if your dispute isn't resolved promptly within 3 weeks. Persistence is key when it comes to correcting billing errors. So put this on your calendar.
Get Help if Needed: If you're having trouble resolving the issue on your own, consider enlisting the help of a healthcare billing advocate, like Mary Daniel.
She specializes in navigating the complexities of medical billing and can assist you in disputing incorrect charges. If you are a member of the Senior Freedom Club, see the interview I did with Mary as she explains how she takes care of this mess for you.
File an Appeal with Your Insurance Company: If the incorrect charges are related to insurance coverage, you have the right to file an appeal with your insurance company. Be sure to submit any relevant documentation to support your appeal. Expect to do this four times.
Use Your Persistence and Resources
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. There are resources available to help you navigate through the process of correcting wrong medical bills. Stay informed, be proactive, and don't hesitate to advocate for yourself or your loved ones.
Together, we empower ourselves and our loved ones to navigate the healthcare system with confidence and clarity. We worked hard for our money and medical care. Let’s keep it.
