How to Negotiate Your Medical Bill

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By Mr Potato Head
User-Submitted Article

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Very few people realize that insurance bills can be negotiated. Here are some tips to lead you in the right direction so you can save some money.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Courage to ask

Step 1

Insurance companies never pay full fee when they are billed for a service. Doctors offices and hospitals are usually lucky if they get 60% of the bill that was submitted. Find out who the top billing person is when you receive a medical bill and see if they will accept a discounted payment from you. The worse thing that can happen is they say, "no".
Step 2

Now that clinics are popping up in places like Walmart, take advantage of these clinics for little things like ear infections and pinkeye. A lot of these in-store clinics have their prices listed up front and are typically cheaper than a visit to the doctor's office.

If you don't want to go the in-store route, when you see your doctor ask if there is a less expensive treatment for the medical problem you are experiencing. For example, if the doctor suggests hospitalization, ask if outpatient treatment is a viable option. Be a proactive patient and ask questions.
Step 3

Depending on where a doctor works, he may have very little control over billing. Find out who the top billing person is so you can negotiate with that person. If the doctor has his own practice, then he has control over billing, otherwise, you'll probably have to speak to the billing manager or even the Chief Financial Officer.
Step 4

Offer cash payments to the doctor or the billing department. Cash speaks volumes. Less hassle and headaches for the billing department and they get their money upfront. A friend of mine had incurred a bill of about $2000 after the birth of his child. He told the billing department that he had $1,500 in cash and asked if they would accept it, which they did.
Step 5

Always double check the medical bill that you received. If the information is in a summary format, make a phone call and ask that the bill be sent so that you can see each detail. This way you know exactly what you are being charged for. It also makes it easier to spot billing errors when the bill is in a detail format rather than a summary format.
Step 6

Know that when your bill comes and the insurance won't pay, your doctor may be your best friend. See if the doctor will write a letter on your behalf stating the treatment was medically necessary. Doctors know that insurance companies have to protect their bottom line, but they also know that you are their patient and will do all they can to assist.
Step 7

If you know the medication your doctor prescribes is expensive, ask if you can have samples. Representatives from pharmaceutical companies frequently leave samples for doctors to distribute. If you don't ask, won't receive.

Comments

circlecorners said

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on 7/15/2009 stlscientist..how can i contact your friend? I think I need his help...

Thanks

stlscientist said

on 2/27/2009 A friend of mine charges to do this for people. He got a $900 bill of mine down to $178 and he earned $50 for making the five minute phone call.