BEST OF: Secret to Dealing With Medical Bills & Why You Should Always Appeal Insurance Denials

[@MegaRose1958]

I was upset when I had called my insurance company to let them know that they were being overcharged for my doctor's bill when I went out of town and was treated for a dog bite. The lady told me they pay whatever the bill is that they receive. I was so upset because I was trying to save my company money. Then after they paid the billing company still wanted to bill me too. I sent them a letter stating you have already been overpaid and I don't owe you anything. They then sent the $528 bill to collections. The collection company told me if I felt the bill wasn't correct to let them know. I sent them a certified letter disputing the bill. It has been over two years. I haven't heard anything else. I feel I have the most success in handling disputes by sending emails and especially certified letters. When you call it can be so stressful because you end up talking to so many different people and you end up getting the run around.

[@buckshot4428]

I went to the ER for a cut finger. No stiches mind you, but super glue. Got a bill for $16K! This is 15 years ago. My out of pocket was around $190 or so. I looked the bill over and they charged me for level 1 and level 3 trauma. I called to dispute the bill, they reviewed the bill, called me back and said the bill was correct. I told them to correct it as I knew they padded it and then I would pay. They never did and sent it to corrections. A girl called me and I told her I gave the hospital a chance to correct the bill, but they would not and now I had no intentions of paying said bill.

[@MarkStettler]

Speaking of crazy ... it's similarly crazy that Clark doesn't understand that the true extent of many medical problems is often discovered only once a procedure begins. Just like a termite inspection that suggests damage, we only find the full scope of decay or damage once the fix is underway. This can lead to unexpected findings and necessary adjustments in the treatment. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations for both patients and providers. Share this aspect, Clark!

[@TruckerDori]

Don't go to Kernersville NC hospital. Novant Hospital. They ripped me some new one and didn't reduce my bill. Matter of fact they charged me and not my insurance the doctors fees. Told me their doctors was contracted and not employees of theirs. $1,300.00 and refused to redo the way they billed me. The whole bill including that one was 3,500. For a 2 hours in the ER. Told me nothing was wrong with me no meds and sent me home. My heart was racing for no reason they said.

[@Jamt22574]

Very scary region for medical care. Sorry you experienced this.

[@craigholland2274]

Im not sure but I don't think medical Bills effect your credit

[@kaohsiung99]

That's a recently passed law, I think. I hope it works like it's supposed to....

[@kathysutter6968]

Sometimes the person that received the care is either too sick or not equipped to fight.

[@jkbc]

Should Hospital or ER facilities display a menu like a restaurant where people can choose what they like to have done? I dont think people know what to choose, you can't ask a medical professional and say let's cut my broken finger without pain killer to save money.

[@Gumby1978]

The best profit is nonprofit! This is a situation that needs government intervention. I hate to get the government involved but they are the only ones that can stop this practice.

[@jamesodell3064]

A nonprofit does not pay taxes making it much more profitable.

[@Gumby1978]

@ absolutely, a scam

[@sandralmoore1360]

Years ago (like 20) my Bil had back surgery andy sister was checking bill to find hospital was (trying) to charge him for a papsmear. As im sure you know, not a male procedure. Rt now, im on medicaid and fighting insurance for treatment. They keep denying requests for treatment. 1st i did every 6 months for 3 yrs (steroids) w/ no help, dr suggested another treaent insurance denied twice before approving a 2nd type of shot which ive had more pain since so dr tried getting approval for 2nd shot that was demied and are still denying. Insurance tried claiming id not tried PT and had tried it twice, both aquatherapy and joint. Gotten steroids Its crazy how they dont truly try to help.