I know this topic has been talked to death here, but I wanted to post another reminder to always call the billing department before paying a cent for any and all hospital bills! Not enough people know about this, so if I can help one more person, great!!
I had to go to the emergency room a few months ago and didn't think about the cost (this was mistake number one. Always do your research to know what your insurance covers, especially when it comes to emergency rooms). After some quick tests, they discharged me later that night. Fast forward two months later, I'm staring at a bill from the emergency room for $5,900 and another charge on my insurance I owe $4,000 (found this through my insurance carrier's website).
Cue panic.
I've never had to go to the emergency room before and frankly I didn't need to go this time either, but it was after hours and I thought it was a 24-hour clinic rather than an emergency room (mistake number two, make sure you know where you are going!). So I called my insurance company who already covered $1500 on the first bill and about $150 on the second. They said this is all they could cover and that I would need to dispute the charges either through mediation and/or calling the hospital's billing department.
So after submitting my paperwork for mediation (lesson number three, check your state laws to see if they offer mediation. In my case, Texas offers mediation for most surprise medical bills over $500. A LOT of people don't know this), I ended up calling the billing department today. After getting transferred a few times and put on hold, I was finally able to talk to someone who was in charge of my case. After another quick talk and a little bit of groveling on my part, they end up letting me know that the bill is settled and I don't owe anything. I ask to get that in writing, and they send me an invoice with my $0 balance (lesson number four, always get any agreements you make in writing).
So long story short: familiarize yourself with your state's insurance laws and ALWAYS call the billing department before you make any payments.
Submitted July 09, 2019 at 07:42PM by Geauxtoguy https://ift.tt/2Jq4ez6
