Had out-patient surgery 9/05. Paid all bills as they came in. 7 mths later received stmt from surgical ctr showing "Balance Forward $4500" Few lines down "Received from insurance $4250" Pay immediately $3500. I paid $ for difference between Bal. Forward and Ins. Paid immediately & questioned how $4500 less $4250 equals $3500. Was told their bills are confusing! It turns out they billed insurance $10K (what a rip off) & insurance paid $4250, hence outrageous difference. BTW, surgery took 30 mins, I was in an out in 2 hours. Did my surgery really cost $4500 (they refuse to answer that question & demand payment) & the facility are cooking the books? By sending me a bill with their mistake, am I responsible for their mistake? Can I pay $ each mth to get them off my back? Can they still demand $ in full if I make reg. mthly payments? Can they mess up my credit? Am also paying for dead beat ex-husband & a divorce so can't use credit card. Thanks.
2006-09-19 07:16:18 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
I would send them a copy of the first bill with a copy of the difference that you paid. You may want to talk to the medical board in your state, or your insurance company.
2006-09-19 07:19:23 · answer #1 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your health insurance carrier, and ask for an Explanation of Benefits for this specific provider (unless you have an EOB already from them -- in that case, get it handy). Find out from your health insurance carrier if you're responsible for any difference. You're "technically" responsible for the amount due, but if the provider is a participating physician/facility with your health insurance carrier (must be "participating" not just one who accepts the health insurance), then you're not responsible for any charges the health insurance provider deems over and above their pre-negotiated rate. Have all of that straight in your mind, first. Can you send money each month -- yes. Can they still demand it -- if the facility is not a nonprofit, yes. Can they mess up your credit -- if they want to, maybe, but keep all of your documentation handy while you rectify the discrepancy. Work with your insurance company first, and take it from there.
2006-09-19 14:29:59 · answer #2 · answered by Melissa A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you are making an effort they cannot come after you. You can pay them $5.00 per month and they have to leave you alone. Also, medical bills are not held against you when a credit check is done for the purchase of a big ticket item such as a house so I would pay as little as possible and don't worry about it.
At least that is the way it is in my home state.
2006-09-19 14:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by nana4dakids 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, they think they are always right even if they are not. Yes, they can screw around with your credit rating. They tried doing that to me years ago and I just sent the bill back claiming "hardship" and didn't pay a dime. They did send my bill to a collection agency and I filed a "cease & desist" letter to the collection people putting a stop to their harassment. They finally wrote off the bill as being uncollectable and I haven't heard a word from either.
2006-09-19 14:23:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes the healthcare provider will write off a portion if you are willing to make monthly payments. Contact them to see if you are elegible. You might also contact your insurance provider. If you sought treatment at an approved provider, usually your expected payment is only 20 percent. If outside the list of approved providers the percent is higher.
2006-09-19 14:33:34 · answer #5 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Follow your disputed charge (bill) guidelines usually found on the back of your bill. Be sure to put it in writing. You should contact your insurance company also to determine what amount they were billed and how much is your responsibility.
2006-09-19 14:25:25 · answer #6 · answered by peanut 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋