Almost a year ago, I began being plagued with a recurrent medical condition that sent me to the doctor every few weeks. During most of my visits, I had to have lab work done. The provider, who was part of my health insurance plan network, would use an in-network laboratory for my lab work, and I never had any problem with my insurance covering the cost.
However, one of the last times I had to go to my doctor with complications from this condition, I received a bill from a laboratory shortly after. When I called the lab and my insurance to question the bill, I learned that they were not in my insurance’s network. When I called my doctor to question why they had sent it to a different lab, I could not get a straight answer and was given another number to call. I questioned this lady about the charges, but she basically said that she was sorry and that her hands were tied.
The provider would not take responsibility for their actions. The insurance company would not budge on what they cover under my plan. I did not feel that it was fair that I pay this bill because I was never told that they needed to send my lab work to an out-of-network laboratory. Nothing had changed in my condition that would cause them to send anything off to a different lab. The doctor’s office, insurance company and laboratory would not communicate with each other. When the collection agency that now has the bill calls to collect the debt, I explain my situation, which is nothing more than an exercise in futility. The collection agency only wants money and does not care about the fairness – or lack thereof – of the situation.
And there you have it. That’s how I – like many, many other Americans – got stuck with an unfair medical bill that I should not be responsible for. Thankfully, it’s not a huge bill, but it is money that I do not feel that I owe. Although I am choosing to take a stand, many people would just pay the bill to get rid of the headache and to avoid having a blemish on their credit report.
No matter how hard we try and how much time and effort we put into trying to fight for what’s fair in our healthcare costs, sometimes we need help in getting situations resolved. In my case, I am letting the professionals at Medical Billing Advocates of America handle this situation for me. Most people do not have the time to fight charges on our medical bills, nor do we have the knowledge or expertise. This is the point when you should ask for help. In my case, I waited a little too long, with the lab bill being in collections, but I know that the outcome will be much better than if I had continued to try to handle it on my own. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to contact Medical Billing Advocates of America at 855-203-7058.
