Tips for finding billing mistakes and disputing the charges.

If you receive a medical bill that doesn’t seem right, you can dispute the charges. In many cases you can get the bill lowered. Of those who dispute medical bills, over a third get their balances reduced or eliminated, according to CBS News. Keep reading to learn how to dispute medical bills.

Common billing errors

According to Experian, billing discrepancies typically fall into these six categories: coding errors, charges for cancelled or refused services, data entry mistakes, date and length of stay errors, code unbundling and duplicate charges.

NBC News reports that in some cases bills are sent to the wrong person. If you have a common last name, verify if the bill is actually yours.

Hospital bills often fail to list all the services, treatments and procedures provided. Ask for an itemized bill so you can see exactly what’s included in the charges. Dispute any items that are in error or seem excessive. For example, one hospital was charging $136 for a $2 bag of saline.

If you have health insurance, compare the medical bill to your insurer’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Verify that “your share” on the EOB matches the bill.

Act quickly on medical billing discrepancies

If you notice any billing discrepancy, call your provider’s billing department right away. Sometimes a billing dispute can be cleared up with phone call.

Many disputes, however, take more time to resolve—perhaps longer than the 60 or 90 days within which payment is required. If your dispute cannot be resolved right way, ask the biller to freeze the account to avoid having the bill turned over to a collection agency.

Document your communication

Document all your communications when disputing a medical bill. Keep track of:

• When you contacted the biller and how
• Who you spoke with
• If the dispute was resolved or if there are next steps

You may need this information for future communications about the dispute.

Options if your bill is valid

You may dispute a bill and find out it’s valid. If this happens, you may still be able to get the bill reduced or eliminated.

Jared Walker, founder of Dollar For, a non-profit organization that aids people with medical bills, says to explore these alternatives:

• Is financial assistance available? Most hospitals have charity care programs that provide free or reduced-cost care.
• Negotiate a lower amount. In many cases, paying the bill that day results in savings of 30% to 50%. Talk to a billing supervisor and let them know why it’s difficult for you to pay the bill.
• Ask about a payment plan. Many providers will allow you to pay over time with low or no interest charges.

If you negotiate a lower bill or payment plan, get the agreement in writing.

Your rights regarding medical bills

Learn more about your rights and protections when it comes to medical bills and collections from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Reviewing medical bills, disputing errors and negotiating a lower settlement can all help you save money.

 

 

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