AboutLisa Lindell Expertise Consequences to the patient and family, reply by healthcare facilities, statistics and types of medical errors.
Experience Extensive personal experience during my husband's 108 day hospitalization.
Publications 108 Days
Education/Credentials Author of the book "108 Days." Speaker at patient safety events across the country, student of medical errors. I've been a patient safety advocate for years.
Question LisaI hope you can help. I was in an auto accident and went to physical therapy for six months. After I was released two separate statements were provided to my lawyer. The problem is that those two statements contain four different total amount owed. I have recently received a letter asking for payment on the amount due, which tends to be the highest of the four. Can a company arbitrarily adjust a bill after payments have been received and then choose the highest amount owed? What recourse do I have? I do not dispute that I owe money but the difference ranges from $800 to $3400. Any insight will help.
Thanks,
Dan
Answer Hi Dan,
Sorry to hear about your debacle, I hope you're well on the road to recovery.
Without having all the details, I can speak from a broad picture and say that medical billing is highly speculative and in many cases suspect.
Did they add services to an earlier bill? Or just change amounts? As a consumer I would first request detailed and itemized invoices to back-up what they are billing you for. D E T A I L E D for example, on October 20, 2008, 2 hours on treadmill @ X per hour. Upon receipt of detailed invoices (there's a 50/50 chance you'll even get those) I would then scrutinize every single line item and it's likely you will find errors. Dispute (in writing) those errors and request a revised invoice. Keep doing this until you're satisfied you have an accurate bill.
Was anything covered by insurance? If so, check your insurance policy and make sure they're not overbilling beyond allowed amounts governed by their contract (if any) with the insurance company.
When you have an invoice you're satisfied is accurate, then negotiate your final bill, start by offering them .40 cents on the dollar as payment in full. Send everything certified mail, return receipt requested.
I would start and maintain a friendly demeanor, for example:
"Dear Medical Provider,
I can't thank you and your staff enough for the wonderful care and treatment you provided to me in my time of need. Blah blah blah
I'm eager to remit my final payment, however, I'm unable to determine what my balance due is based on the statements you've sent to me, they all reflect amount owed. Please provide a detailed, itemized invoice for all services rendered, including dates and treatments provided, so I can reconcile this with my records, your statements, and my previous payments. Upon receipt of these documents, I'll process your final payment without delay.
Please let Sally know her trick with the cane worked wonders, yada yada yada, thanks again
With Kindest Regards
Me"
Good luck
