Update on medical bill navigation

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Update on medical bill navigation
4
Mon, 03-27-2006 - 11:36pm
Hi to everyone who has been thru the medical bill madness. Am still staying the course. Found out after months of phone calls, that the main office did not receive the x-ray bill (so they claim). NOt to be deterred----I am corresponding and calling to still get it straightened out. I only owe about $600 to the hospital, and when that is paid off, I will then celebrate! Appreciate all feedback and support on this, as it is now about 7 months. Am not giving up! WHiz.
Avatar for 2locachicas
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Tue, 03-28-2006 - 6:44am

Whiz-

You are ALMOST there....plus remember, there is never a better investment than your health. I might need your advice next week once my surgery is all said & done....

Loca

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2005
Tue, 03-28-2006 - 9:56am

Whiz, that is great that you are so close to having your med. bills paid off!!

 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Tue, 03-28-2006 - 11:09am
Hi, Loca. Any way I can help with the medical mess, just holler. Here's a few things that folks have shared, and what I went thru: l) If people dont return calls (as in the corporate or main office), write a certified letter. Document all calls. 2)Go thru HR. I had to, and still do. 3)Ask if they give a discount for paying in full (after several months of payments). The woman I talked to sounded surprised that no one had offered this at the hospital billing office. She then took 10% off the total bill. 4)Ask for back-up documents. The one thing I didnt get was "proof" that the small billing office had contacted the higher office. 5)If all else fails, the trump card---a letter from a lawyer. That is my last step (havent used yet, but researching). 6)Enlist the help of the hospital. I had them resubmit, call, pester, etc. 7)Research the going rate for the bill and for response times for other insurance companies. Imagine my surprise when one independent company said they respond in 30 days. Big companies--maybe not. The bigger surprise---what a certain x-ray cost in other places. Cheaper than my amount! Whiz :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Tue, 03-28-2006 - 11:11am
HI, Aravis. Appreciate your support. Any tips or roadblocks you've encountered, please share. Fondly, Whiz.