Tuesday, November 10, 2009

HOW TO AVOID OVERPAYING ON YOUR HOSPITAL BILLS

Did you know 8 out of every 10 hospital bills contain multiple errors? Even if your insurer covers overcharges, they will count toward your lifetime spending cap. Here's what to look for:

~ Incorrect basic data - if information such as your insurance group number is wrong, the amount the plan covered is likely to be off too.

~ Unbundled fees - call your insurer to see whether multiple lab tests in one day should have been bundled under one fee, and what items are included in kit, tray, and room fees to avoid duplicate charges. Operating room fees, for example, cover sheets, gowns, and gloves.

~ Duplicate orders for medications, lab work, or room fees - you might be billed for a canceled procedure, or for 11 cholesterol tests instead of one.

~ Operating room times - the anesthesia record states what times surgery began and ended. With O.R. rates ranging from $69 to $270 per minute, being over-billed for extra minutes can add up.

~ Up-selling - if your doctor orders a generic drug but the hospital provides you with a more costly brand-name version, you are not responsible for the increased charges.
Source: Consumer Reports

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