Due to the current dicey state of our economy employers are making significant cutbacks to the benefits that they offer to their employees. Because of this, a growing number of folks are finding themselves with health insurance coverage that is less than desirable. Gone are the days when you could receive hospital based services and be confident that the bills will be paid 100%. Increasingly, people are discovering that they will need to pay a percentage of the hospital bill due to the terms of their health insurance plan. A watchful eye can make certain that you are not asked to pay more than is absolutely necessary.
The key to staying on top of your hospital charges is to be vigilant even as you are being admitted to the hospital. As much as possible, try to be aware of what services are being provided and what specialists are called in to see you during your stay. It will be much more difficult once you receive your bill 30 days post-discharge to recall whether they took you down for three ultrasounds versus four.
Next, when you receive your bill be sure that an itemized accounting is enclosed. This itemization should include day-by-day what charges you incurred. The itemization should be clear about the date of service, quantity of services and total charge. If this is not included in your bill, call the hospital immediately to request one. While you are on the phone with the Patient Accounts Department also ask them to note your account that you have asked them for the itemization and that you intend to scrutinize it prior to payment.
With your itemized hospital bill now in your hands, go through the paperwork carefully. Make notes about anything that you are not clear about and further research anything that is vague. Most hospitals now bill with what are called Revenue Codes. To get a listing of what the various codes entail, you may go to sites such as www.ahd.com or www.cms.gov for further clarification.
Some of the more common errors include: charges for tests that never took place, errors in inputting the number of times you were given a medication, double billing for the same services and inaccuracies concerning your admission and discharge date.
Once you have made your notes regarding what charges are not clear to you or appear to be errors, contact the hospital again and ask them for complete clarification. If you believe you have been overcharged, ask the representative for detailed information concerning an appeals process. In some cases this can be handled over the phone and in other cases you will need to write a more official letter. If you are able to handle this matter by phone, make sure that at the conclusion of your phone call you are both in agreement concerning the adjustments that need to be made to your hospital account. Further, request that an updated itemized bill be forwarded to your home.
Studies show that as many as 9 in 10 hospital bills contain significant billing errors. Be vigilant, be conscientious and be committed to not paying more than your fair share.
Written by Sue De La Bruere
