High Medical Bills
Have you ever received an expensive medical bill and wondered why the numbers on the page are so high? Have you ever been duped into paying hundreds, or even thousands of dollars more than you needed to? Most likely, the answer to both of these questions is yes. Fraudulent billing mistakes are far more common than you may think. Read on for tips on how to avoid these fraudulent billing charges, and stop guessing and being in the dark when it comes to your medical bills.
In the past, you might have paid a costly medical bill without even thinking twice. You’ve probably said to yourself, “I can’t afford this, but there’s nothing I can do about it.” The truth is there are ways to avoid paying fraudulent charges, and it will save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run; you just have to know what to look out for.
Fraudulent billing charges have been known to sneak up on patients at a time when they are most vulnerable. Did you know that hospitals frequently charge for arbitrary things that should be included, such as an extra blanket during an overnight stay? Sometimes, these bogus fees are simple clerical errors, but often these fees are the result of over-inflated charges. If you don’t know what to watch out for, you could find yourself paying for more than you owe.
Because medical billing mistakes are so common, almost everyone will fall victim to these errors at some point in their lifetime. According to a report by ABC News, nearly eight out of ten medical bills will feature a mistake, which increases the average bill by about 25 percent. Of course, this isn’t where your money should be going. However, it’s up to you to become educated on the topic of fraudulent billing and spot these mistakes for yourself.
Requesting an Itemized Statement
Avoid fraudulent billing by requesting a detailed itemized statement. This document will show you exactly what you are being charged for. Look for any duplicate items, or items that seem suspicious to you. Also request and review your explanation of benefits (EOB) that you will receive from your health insurance company. This document will list important information like dates, which services were rendered, what was billed to your insurance, and how much you will owe. This information could also contain mistakes, so be persistent if you feel that an error has been made.
However, as we all know, medical bills are not the easiest documents to read or understand. Don’t just turn a blind eye because you don’t understand something. Consider hiring a medical billing advocate to fight fraudulent billings on your behalf. These trained professionals know how to spot medical errors, communicate with providers, facilities and insurers, and negotiate claims. A billing advocate might charge a fee, but will save you much more money in the long run. Research various billing advocates until you find one whose fees are fair and reasonable. With their help, you might find that you’ve been overcharged, or billed for a procedure that was never even administered. If that isn’t an option for you, call your insurance company and question anything that was billed to them that you do not understand or that you feel is incorrect.
Don’t just pay a hefty medical bill the moment you receive it; if you suspect fraudulent billing, you owe it to yourself to investigate fully. In the end, fighting fraudulent billing could help your hard-earned money remain right where it belongs: in your pocket.
