What to do about billing error?
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What to do about billing error?
| Mon, 06-27-2005 - 12:27pm |
Hi, everyone. I am stymied and need your expertise. I received an itemized bill for laboratory services (first copy ever) that goes back about two yrs. Never, ever received a notice, copy, statement, itemization. It is though it never existed. Seems the lab company didnt have "correct" info, i.e., my health insurance info,corporate billing number, group ID, etc. So, I called (twice) and wrote down the names of the persons I spoke with. Faxed copy of what I had, per their request. Still waiting for answer. Seems they didnt have me in their system. Find it hard to believe, since they had all of my other info, the SS#, correct phone, address, etc. Wonder if this is a tactic to "stall" in paying the bill, which totals a whopping $600+ dollars. Since this is the first copy, and it is not "past due", what should I pay on this, if anything? Wait again for insurance company to get back to me? Call repeatedly? Has anyone ever got a "surprise" bill that has been delayed to to erroneous info on the other end? Did they demand payment up front? Thanks. Whiz.

I have no experience with this, but it seems like you're handling it well. Just keep tracking your interactions, and keeping accurate records and all the paperwork they are sending you. You might want to write a letter as well, so you have something in writing. Something to the effect that you will happily pay your portion of the bill as soon as they sort out how much your insurance company is covering, but until that time that you are disputing the amount.
I would *not* send them any money. Doing so might indicate to a court or judge (if it were to come to that) that you are accepting responsibility for the bill, and you don't want to do that.
Just keep communicating with them, keeping records, and finding out what you can.
Good luck and blessings,
Heather