Cut Your Medical Bill

There are things you can do to get a cheaper medical bill, at the hospital or in the clinic. Following these simple rules can make for a better bill that you can handle. You first must consider the possibility of making a deal with the doctor. The doctor’s rates aren’t set in stone and about two thirds of all people who try to make a deal with the dentist or hospital get their wish. The same is true of three out of five who made a bargain with their doctor. Find out from your insurance company what they pay out to the various doctors in your area (the reduced fee set by the insurance company). Ask your doctor if he or she will accept that amount.

Understand what healthcare costs really mean. Know what goes into the healthcare bill you receive so you are in a better position to negotiate any discounts available. A healthcare bill is a conglomeration of several different items and services. Certain of these can be discounted by the hospital and doctor, while other are less negotiable. Doctor’s fees are one area that is negotiable. Doctors’ bills and doctor’s fees vary depending on the geographic location and area of specialization.

Try to pay up front in cash. You are more likely to get a deal on your services if you do so. Doctors lose a great deal of money on credit card processing fees and on trying to collect on unpaid bills so they will welcome a discounted cash up front payment. Generally, you can get a ten percent discount or better on what you pay out to the doctor.

Make sure you look for various mistakes in your hospital bill. This happens very often in many countries and it can increase your medical bills unnecessarily. Keep track of whatever test, medication and doctor’s visits you get and check these facts against the medical file, which can be received by medical records. If you find mistakes in your bill, send off a certified letter requesting a change in your bill. Document all changes and send it off to your insurer as well.

Make sure that all specialists take your form of insurance. Radiologists, internists and anesthesiologists may not accept your insurance policy and you will have to pay out of pocket. Find out who these people will be and check their information against the insurance company’s list of acceptable providers.