How to Dispute a Medical Bill

How to Dispute a Medical Bill

Truth be told, it can be very frustrating and time-consuming to dispute a medical bill. While being hit with an unexpected and massive bill can leave you feeling hopeless, there are still things you can do to dispute it and lower your costs.

Keep an Eye on Your Medical Bills

The first but probably the most important step that many people often skip is to analyze what it really says. It is all too easy to just look at the overall costs at the bottom without knowing what it is all about. By starting to pay closer attention, you will be able to make a significant move to lower your risks of paying more than what you need to.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Prior to disputing your medical bill, expect to spend time on the phone talking with your insurance company and doctor’s office. This will take time and while you might converse with nice representatives, the process will be frustrating. To get through this process, be ready to spend some time asking questions on the phone. Know what you will ask before every call and document all conversations. This record can help you as you proceed to other steps.

Do Some Comparisons

It is important to ensure that the medical bill you receive from the doctor’s office or hospital will match the information that your insurance company has. If there is an extra or something different on the bill, chances are there was a mistake made between the office billing you and billing your insurance company. You also need to check if you were billed for something already paid by your insurance. This step helps you pinpoint some of the most common errors.

Evaluate Costs Against Averages Found Online

Although all the things listed look right in your eyes and according to what your doctor’s office and insurance company said, when the price seems a bit disproportionate, it might be best to check to see what hospitals often charge for those services that you were billed for.

File a Written Dispute

After you get your hands on the necessary information that gives you the confidence that there was an error made, it is now time for you to file an official dispute. Prepare copies of documents you have supporting your claim then write a letter about the case that will then be sent to the doctor’s office.

Pay any part of the medical bill that is not in dispute. You want the office to see that you are cooperative and lower the risk that your bill will go to collections. Keep in touch during the process of dispute to stay updated on its status.

Work with a Patient Advocate

If your medical bill dispute didn’t come through, the next best option is for you to pass over the task to a patient advocate. Patient advocates have more experience dealing with the process of medical billing and will know what questions to ask and processes that must be followed to achieve good results immediately.