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Step 1
before you go to the hospital for non emergency care, call your insurance provider and get a statement on what is covered and what rules apply for the coverage
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Step 2
Read the coverage and rules and determine if pre-authorizations are needed for any care. Diagnostic imaging and tests are on the top of the list of things that need pre-authorization. Determine your co-pays and out of pocket expenses and determine which hospital can provide the care with the least expense to you.
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Step 3
Also look to see if an out-patient center can provide the care at a reduced cost as well. Many out-patient centers do just as good of a job with your out of pocket expenses being reduced
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Step 4
Once you decide on a facility, Call the facility and talk to the registration department. They can run a list of proposed charges and tell you how much you should pay.
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Step 5
Keep tabs on everything that is ordered by the facility and your physician. Extra charges pile up quickly. If the physician adds a blood workup, ask for costs. Do NOT assume that since the doctor asked for it, you have to do it. All physicians ask for a blood workup before surgery, but you may have had one done while they were trying to determine your ailment. You can skip the second workup and associated costs if you know to speak up.
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Step 6
Keep up with your bills and make notes as to what happened each day you were in the hospital or outpatient facility. Many charges are unsubstantiated and can be disputed.
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Step 7
wait for the insurance company to pay their portion before contesting charges. If the insurance company gets involved, you won't see the monetary benefit of your work.
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Step 8
once insurance has paid and you have the leftover bills, go in and talk to the facility. They would rather have a reduced payment than no payment at all. You may save as much as 50% off you portion of the bill just for going in and being nice.
Comments
akchrist said
on 8/12/2008 Great tips!