"According to Medical Billing Advocates of America, more than 75 to 80 percent of bills contain errors." That is beyond unacceptable. There should be better training for this. I know I worked as a Medical Photographer for a very-well-known Plastic Surgeon. They had 3 ladies that did the Medical Billing, who decided sitting around and talking was more important. The doctor's wife started making me, with NO training, perform the Medical Billing.
Great article! Here are a few other tips I have from working down in the trenches as a healthcare attorney:
Price-shop your health insurance and your treatments BEFORE you go in for healthcare. There is a free healthcare blue book (healthcarebluebook) just like the automotive blue book for buying cars. Make use of this to determine what prices are reasonable for your location and type of care. Healthcare is a commodity after all. You already shop for electronics, houses, cars, and food - make sure you are doing the same for your healthcare!
For negotiations, state that you are willing to pay something, but unable to pay the full amount. These words trigger the healthcare provider to work with you to figure out an arrangement. There are often financial assistance programs available, but you have to prod and dig to find them. Do not be afraid to make a discounted offer to close the account. I recommend an offer around 60% of the original medical bill. I choose this number because when your medical bill goes to collections, the healthcare provider has to pay the collection company 20-30% of the amount collected. Also, you will have better success if you are able to pay cash up front, rather than over a period of time on a payment plan. For example, if you can offer $600 now for a $1000 bill, this would be a great offer for the healthcare provider.
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How to Spot Medical Billing Errors and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Price-shop your health insurance and your treatments BEFORE you go in for healthcare. There is a free healthcare blue book (healthcarebluebook) just like the automotive blue book for buying cars. Make use of this to determine what prices are reasonable for your location and type of care. Healthcare is a commodity after all. You already shop for electronics, houses, cars, and food - make sure you are doing the same for your healthcare!
For negotiations, state that you are willing to pay something, but unable to pay the full amount. These words trigger the healthcare provider to work with you to figure out an arrangement. There are often financial assistance programs available, but you have to prod and dig to find them. Do not be afraid to make a discounted offer to close the account. I recommend an offer around 60% of the original medical bill. I choose this number because when your medical bill goes to collections, the healthcare provider has to pay the collection company 20-30% of the amount collected. Also, you will have better success if you are able to pay cash up front, rather than over a period of time on a payment plan. For example, if you can offer $600 now for a $1000 bill, this would be a great offer for the healthcare provider.
Hold strong here and good luck!