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If you’re like most people, chances are you’ll face a medical bill in the U.S. at some point that’s so high it seems impossible. Even if you’ve managed to steer clear of this shock so far, you likely know someone who’s gone through a similar experience. When that bill arrives, your first instinct might be to panic—but is there a smarter way to deal with the unexpected charges on your medical statement?
The first thing you need to know is that billing errors are unfortunately quite common. The next time you receive a medical bill, it’s a good idea to pick up the phone (maybe multiple times) to double-check whether you actually owe what’s listed. There’s always a possibility the bill is a mistake—whether it's due to human oversight, a technical issue, or even a scam. The key is to fully understand what you’re being charged for before making any payments.
Sadly, our healthcare system places the burden on patients to ensure they’re in-network, scrutinize bills for mistakes, and advocate for affordable care. To help you navigate this challenge, here are three crucial questions to ask before paying any medical bill that seems questionable.
Could I receive an itemized bill?
Medical bills can often appear as a jumble of cryptic codes and vague charges. It's essential to request an itemized bill to ensure you’re not paying for services you didn’t actually receive. While an itemized bill might not drastically reduce your total costs as some online tips suggest, it can give you the necessary details to challenge incorrect or fraudulent charges.
When reviewing the itemized bill, consider these questions: Do I recognize all the listed charges? Are the dates and service providers correct? To verify this, compare your bill with the explanation of benefits (EOB) that should have been sent by your insurance company. And speaking of that...
Has my insurance been billed properly?
If your bill is unexpectedly high, double-check that your insurance company has been billed accurately. By comparing the itemized bill to the EOB from your insurer, you can spot any discrepancies. The goal is to find charges on your statement that don't appear on the EOB, which will allow you to ask your provider to submit a corrected claim to your insurance for those services as well.
What will this cost me?
The best way to avoid shockingly high medical bills is to take charge before the bill ever shows up. While you’re still at the hospital, doctor's office, or pharmacy, ask about costs in advance: What will this cost? Are there less expensive options? Is this procedure/test/treatment absolutely necessary?
Asking these types of questions can save you from painful and often fruitless attempts to lower your bill later. It’s a tough reality, but it’s the situation we’re dealing with. At the very least, make sure to ask these questions before you find yourself stuck with an unfair bill.
