OwedifyThe 7 things to check on a medical bill before you pay
Get the itemized version, then circle the six errors that hide in it.
The script
Say this first, by phone or portal
"Please send me a fully itemized bill with billing codes for every charge. Please also confirm which charges my insurance has already paid. I will review it before making any payment."
Hospitals expect payment of the summary bill. The itemized bill is your right, and it is where you find the errors.
The errors
When it arrives, circle these six
- Duplicate charges
- Canceled items still billed
- Services you never received
- Charges for a higher level of room or care than you received
- Quantity errors, two of something you got once
- Charges your insurance already paid
The questions
Before paying anything, ask
- "Is this bill final, or is insurance still processing?"
- "Do you offer financial assistance or charity care?" Many hospitals are required to offer it, and few volunteer it.
- "Can you correct the items I have circled?"