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What are some tips for negotiating a large medical bill?

On Behalf of | Dec 8, 2016 | Medical Debt

If you have had an unexpected medical expense in Durham that has left with you a bill you are unable to pay, you may not be entirely without options. Many health care providers would rather receive some payment from you than none at all, so you may be able to negotiate terms with them that you can live with.

According to TIME Magazine, one of the easiest things you can do is just to call the hospital or doctor’s office and speak with the billing department directly. If you explain your situation in a calm and courteous manner, they may be willing to work with you. Some places may reduce the amount that you owe or be willing to work out a long-term payment plan that will let you pay off the balance by making monthly payments. You never know if that type of thing is possible unless you ask.

It may also be wise to familiarize yourself with some of the more technical aspects of your care. Having a complete understanding of your coverage and what deductibles or co-pays you will be responsible before ahead of time can prevent you from incurring a large bill in the future. In addition, learning about the nature of the services you received can help you better understand your bill and be able to identify any errors.

Medical bills commonly have errors on them that many people never bother to look for. Search your bill for any duplicative charges or for anything that seems off. Medical bills use a coding system for each service that is provided. You may want to contact the provider or your insurance company and ask what the codes on your bill are for so that you can make sure you are not being charged for anything erroneously. This information on this topic is general in nature and should be considered legal advice.

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