By JIM MILLER / Columnist
Dear Savvy Senior,
I could sure use some help deciphering a hospital bill from my wife’s recent hip replacement surgery. We don’t have much disposable income, so I like to keep track of our money as closely as possible, but I can’t make heads or tails out of these bills. Do you have any suggestions?
Dumbfounded Don
Dear Don,
For most Americans, reading their hospital bill is like reading Chinese. With all the medical jargon and code words these bills can be extremely difficult to understand, which leads to an even bigger problem. Overcharging! It’s estimated that nearly 90 percent of hospital bills contain errors, most of which are in the hospital’s favor. Here’s what you should know.
Catching the Errors
Decoding your hospital bill may seem like a daunting task but it’s definitely worth the effort. Studies have shown that hospital billing errors cause patients to be overcharged an average of $1,300 per stay. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Request a daily itemized bill and review it thoroughly. You can’t catch errors if you don’t know specifically what you’re being charged for.
Make sure you’re charged for the correct length of stay and the right kind of room. Note that most insurance companies do not allow hospitals to charge for your discharge day, although many hospitals frequently do so anyway.
Watch for double billing – being charged for the same service twice. This is the most common mistake hospitals make.
Check for phantom charges. Many hospitals have a set of standard fees for certain procedures that they automatically charge, even though the doctor cancelled it.
Look for overprices extras. Some hospitals may charge for extra supplies like towels, gloves or a box of tissue which should all be included in the room charge. Also check medication charges. Were you charged $10 for a pill that would have cost you $1 to buy yourself?
Check operating room time. It’s not uncommon for hospitals to bill for more time than you actually used. Compare the charge with your anesthesiologist’s records.
If you do find errors or have questions regarding your bill, talk with you doctor or contact the hospital’s billing office or patient representative. If the bill has already been sent to the insurer, call your insurance agent.
Watch your deductible. Insurance companies have been known to mistakenly charge you long after you’ve met your deductible. File away every bill you pay, and watch for charges above your deductible.
Medical Billing Advocates
If you need some extra help with your confusing medical bills or rejected insurance claims, consider contacting a medical billing advocate. These are specialists who can help you decode your bills so you’re not paying for anything you didn’t receive, and work with your insurance company to insure they are covering everything they’re suppose to. Medical-billing advocates typically charge $30 to $150 per hour, or may take a commission on the savings they produce. To find help, contact Medical Billing Advocates of America at www.billadvocates.com or call 540-387-5870.
Savvy Resources
Patient Advocate Foundation: A national non-profit organization that assists anyone with chronic or life-threatening diseases (for free) by providing help with health insurance problems. They also offer a Patient Assistance Program that provides co-payment assistance to those who are insured and who meet financial and medical qualifications. Visit www.patientadvocate.org or call 800-532-5274.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Offers free health insurance counseling to people with Medicare and their families. SHIP counselors can help you understand what Medicare covers, the billing process and can help you file a Medicare appeal. To find your local SHIP call Medicare at 800-633-4227 or visit www.shiptalk.org.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
