Getting sick or injured is never fun, but dealing with the aftermath can be even worse. From managing your pain to communicating with your insurance company, there’s a lot to think about. One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about, however, is whether or not you’re being overcharged for your treatment.
Unfortunately, medical billing errors are all too common. In fact, a recent study found that as many as 80% of patient bills contain errors. That means that if you’re not carefully reviewing your medical bills, there’s a good chance you’re paying too much.
So why are medical bills so often inaccurate? Here are some common reasons:
- Mistakes happen. We are all human, after all. Whether it’s a simple typo or a more complex error, mistakes can and do happen in medical billing. This is why it’s so important to review your bill carefully.
- Billing codes can be confusing. There are hundreds of different medical codes used to describe treatments and procedures. It’s not surprising that sometimes these codes are misinterpreted, leading to errors on the bill.
- Complicated insurance plans. With so many different insurance plans out there, it’s no wonder that sometimes things get confusing. From co-pays to deductibles, there are a lot of variables that can affect how much you owe.
How to review your medical bills
If you’re not sure how to review your medical bill or what to look for, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are some tips:
- Check for errors. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to check for simple mistakes like incorrect dates or patient names. These kinds of errors can be easily fixed and you shouldn’t be responsible for paying for them.
- Compare prices. If you’re not sure what something should cost, look it up online or call the doctor’s office to ask. This way, you can be sure you’re not being overcharged. It is also a good idea to compare prices for similar procedures at different facilities.
- Understand your insurance. Make sure you know what your insurance plan covers and doesn’t cover. This way, you can be prepared for any out-of-pocket costs. If you have any questions about your coverage, don’t hesitate to call your insurance company.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you think you’re being charged too much, talk to the doctor’s office or hospital. They may be willing to work with you on the price. This is especially true if you’re paying cash.
Taking the time to review your medical bills may not be fun, but it’s worth it. By catching errors and ensuring you’re not being overcharged, you can save yourself a lot of money.
How to dispute a medical bill if you think it’s incorrect
If you find an error on your medical bill, don’t panic. You have the right to dispute the charges. Here’s what you need to do:
- Contact the patient billing office. Let them know that you found an error and ask them to correct it. This is usually all it takes to get the problem fixed.
- If the billing office doesn’t fix the error, contact your insurance company. They may be able to help you straighten things out. This is especially true if the error is due to an insurance mix-up.
- If you’re still having trouble, consider hiring a medical billing advocate. These professionals can help you navigate the system and get the results you need.
Don’t let medical billing errors leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. By taking some simple steps, you can ensure that you’re getting the correct bill.