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Hi guys
I just got my 1st group of chemo etc. hospital bills...very
confusing. How do you check these figures for accuracy
if they seem extreme? Is there a lc for dummies book that might help? Do you just pay them at face value?
Thanks everybody
Mary
I have been dealing with my parents' insurance issues for months. I definitely question any and everything that does not seem right. I am still haggling with the insurance company over some injections my dad got last summer. I just got over $1100 in bills cleared up... The insurance company should have paid them in the first place without a bill being sent.
Kristi
Mary,
It may be a pain in the neck but someone should always be with the patient during all treatments. If necessary, have that person write down everything that is done, and if possible, all equipment, etc. that is used. Get itemized hospital and pharmacy statements and compare to your observers' lists. Think you will find that there are often charges for items not used or treatment not given. You can then dispute the bills, or perhaps notify the insurance company of overcharges. I know...as if we don't have enough to deal with!! But we must be vigilant. Hospitals are famous for overcharging and double-billing.
I heard that the insurance companies have done us wrong by not paying enough and therefore will have to go back and pay more on our claims. NOW - don't quote me - my mother told me this one and she is an RN.
As far as my bills I have a large black clippie on the balance I owe my dr's - and just pay $5.00 - $20.00 when I can. Slowly but surely the paper in between the clippee is getting smaller.
But - personally - I am not stressing out over the bills. It really sounds like anyone who is dealing with cancer is having to deal with a huge amt. of debtness. You really can't worry about it - the hospitals have to keep treating you and talk to your dr. about what you owe - I am sure they will all take payments of $5.00 - at least it is something! God Bless...dee
I am the caretaker, and I take care of all that stuff for my husband. Do you have a family member who can do this for you?
I find that Medicare is great. But, the secondary ins. co. (United Healthcare) tries to drive me crazy. I question everything INCLUDING some of the peripheral doctors. They send you bills ASAP. I aways go online to see what was approved and paid by Medicare and United Healthcare. It's time consuming, but NO ONE is your advocate but you.
Thanks everybody...it really feels like a great big family out there. My husband is always w/ me...I think we'll start keeping a list & cross check it w/the bills. Some oversight sounds like a very good idea.
Thanks again
Mary
Insurance can be a Pain In the you know what When I got My cancer i Had no Insurance so the hospital had to right off all My Surgey and stay in the hospital and all Dr appointments All ctcan and Xrays i never saw a bill after i got home And i never had ins when i got home I finally got mass health after all was done and i had to fight them on it I HATE INSURANCES THE HAVE US WHERE THEY WANT US
There are Healthcare Patient Advocacy groups as well who will help analyze. Insurance companies have contracts with providers and pay "Industry Standard". Usually the bills are settled for much less because of the group contracts.
A lot of hospitals also have Patient Advocates.
Keeping a binder of bills is a good idea. Also keeping a binder of all the discharge paperwork is good. You basically build your own patient "chart".
Thanks Eddie...I'll be checking w/ the hospital on Fri for patient advocates. I think there are more problems w/ charges than we realize
Mary
Hi Mary,
Depending on where you are in Cincinnati, the American Cancer Society has Patient Navigators that might be helpful to you. For example, there is a patient navigator office listed for Hamilton County. The contact is Julie Behan and her phone number is (888)227-6446. If you aren't in Hamilton County, you might still call. She may be able to refer you to another Patient Navigator office.
Amy
LCA
Thanks Amy...you rock!!! I'll give a call today
Mary
PS I am in Hamilton cty
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