Is there any entity , independent of Medicare and/or insurance that will review a hospital bill for excesses?

Answer 1

A lawyer who specializes in healthcare systems would also be able to review a hospital bill and help you sort things out.

Answer 2

You can notify your Medicare or Insurance provider with your concerns . Insurance companies do have auditors that review billings for duplicate or excessive charges, etc...

Answer 3

Medicare questions can be extremely confusing--and sorting through the red tape of bills for services can make one's head spin. Then there are consumer questions that come up--like it sounds like you are facing! Lots of paper and complications to figure out!

Since you say that you are on Medicare, I am assuming that you or the person you are helping are over age 60. If you want to talk to "real people"who are familiar with the nuances of Medicare programs, are good at listening to seniors and caregivers and explaining things in an easy-to understand way, and also good at cutting through the red tape, I would highly recommend that you connect with your local Area Agency on Aging.

Area Agencies on Aging are one of the best kept secrets around for older Americans and their families who are seeking information on Medicare and other kinds of consumer questions. There is one where you live since this is a national network. The staff there will visit with you and guide you to information you need to answer your question and get some help to sort through the red tape. Since they talk with seniors and caregivers every day--and answer lots of questions--they will explain how things are supposed to work in the situation you are in. If they don't know the answer to a question--they will know the person who can provide the answer. They may guide you to your state's "Peer Review Organization" that provides oversight on certain Medicare issues.

It's also important to know that these groups are not selling any particular service or insurance plan. The information they will provide you will be objective.

You can call toll-free 1-800-677-1116 to find how to contact the Area Agency serving you. When you call your local Area Agency on Aging, ask for the "Information and Assistance" staff person who deals with Medicare-related consumer issues.

Another thing to know is that Area Agencies on Aging have resources and support services that help older Americans and their caregivers. You might find other helpful information by making this call.

If you do contact your local Area Agency on Aging and like the help that they give you, let your local county officials and your folks in Congress know. Area Agencies on Aging don't have big budgets--their funding comes from the Older Americans Act and appropriations for most services have not increased for 25 years! Your voluntary financial contribution of any amount--which is absolutely not required to get the help you need to answer this question--would certainly be appreciated.

Hope this helps! Good luck and best wishes to you

Answer 4

Wish I had paid more attention, but an artical sasid that hospitals themselves have someone who does that but you have to request the person who does the review. Ask about it.