What Patients Need to Know About Appealing Medical Bills

Have you ever received a medical bill with a big balance even after your insurance company had paid their part? Whether through an in-network or out-of-network provider, medical bills represent a troubling form of unexpected consumer debt.

When those medical bills come in, it can be a big shock when you thought your insurance company would cover the bulk or all of the procedures and treatment. If they paid their part but you still have a lot left on your bill, this situation can set you back financially. More consumers are filing complaints about these large bills they get after the fact.

Unfortunately, appealing medical bills can be a complicated process, even if these bills catch you off guard because they are classified as a surprise. Some legal experts are arguing for opportunities that allow consumers to appeal medical bills successfully.

Some advocates for consumer protection, for example, argue that contract law could provide an appealing medical bills method for consumers who are shocked by the unexpected and high cost of hospital bills. These problems are commonly associated with a problem known as balance bills. A balance bill is sent out to a patient after an insurance company has made their payment.

The balance bill is the distinction in price between the list prices at the hospital and what an insurance company will pay. Since the list price at the hospital can be much higher than what a hospital would accept from an in network insurance company or Medicare, this can come as a surprise medical bill and a shock to a consumer who has to figure out their next steps suddenly.

Right now Congress is evaluating legislation that would reduce opportunities for this form of balance billing. However, appealing medical bills by going to court might be the only method currently available to patients who have been affected by these unfortunate bills. Some legal professors and practicing attorneys, for example, state that mutual assent is a common element in contract law, which means that both sides have to agree to a price before services are rendered.

This is why written estimates for many different services are provided prior to any work being done when hiring everyone from an attorney to a financial planner to a construction contractor.

However, as is the case with balance billing, these surprise medical bills can catch a patient off guard and can lead to significant financial consequences. The number of people who have been affected by balance billing has increased in recent years and could even get worse.

While balance billing in and of itself is not currently illegal, many consumers believe that the practice of failing to let patients know about the possibility of high costs after a procedure eliminates their own opportunity to make an informed decision about what’s best for them.

Some consumers say that they are left with no choice but to attempt to pay off a high medical bill they didn’t think they would receive to begin with.

Join a Free Surprise Medical Bill Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you were hit with a surprise medical bill from an out-of-network doctor at an in-network hospital, you may be entitled to compensation.

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