Don’t Be Afraid To Investigate A Suspiciously High Medical Bill

Let’s start by stating the obvious: Healthcare is expensive. Insurance premiums are up across the United States, and even with the most expensive plans it’s not uncommon to receive a massive bill after any number of medical procedures.

But before you throw up your hands in defeat, there’s something you can do that might bring down the cost.

It doesn’t hurt to ask

Erin Duffy of the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics recently led a study into healthcare billing and found that many patients received bills higher than anticipated — and even some for procedures they didn’t receive.

But those who were willing to investigate those charges are often rewarded for their inquiries.

“If there’s a bill that you receive that doesn’t look quite right or that you can’t afford, pick up the phone and call the billing office,” Duffy recommended. “When people do, most get positive results.”

Over the course of the past year, researchers determined that about 20% of individuals received a medical bill they either disputed or could not afford. Almost two-thirds took the next step of contacting the appropriate billing department.

The most common reason given by those who didn’t make that call was that they assumed it wouldn’t do any good.

The odds are in your favor

As Duffy said of those who called the billing office: “Most of the time, the bill was corrected. And even people who just felt it was unfair, even if they could afford it, a lot of them were able to negotiate a lower price.”

Here’s how the stats break down:

• Nearly 75% reported that their perceived billing error was corrected.
• More than three-fifths said their unaffordable bill was either reduced or granted a payment plan.
• More than three-fourths were able to effectively negotiate the amount owed.

Chris Agee August 31st, 2024

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