barelynangel -> RE: Hospital and Dr's fees are getting insane! (11/12/2008 10:55:34 AM)
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Just as an aside, if you think you are being misbilled, make sure you put it in writing back to the Hospital AND cc the doctor whose bill you are disputing as well as your primary doctor on the letter, AND bcc the credit bureaus because the first thing they will attempt to hit is your credit rating. This way if they don't write off the bill, and you do get taken to court, you have paperwork showing your attempts to clarify a disputed bill. Also tell them to put everything in writing to you, and that you want the detailed billing of this specific doctor and why you are being billed. Always answer them in writing, even if you speak to them on the telephone follow up with a written correspondence that states the date, time and who you spoke to (with first and last name and some kind of ID) as well as summarizes your conversation stating words like this will confirm, if my understanding is incorrect please respond in writing etc. This latter part will be in case they don't put things in writing to you, especially if they fail to respond to anything they feel you misunderstand. This also keeps track of the calls you have had as well as summarizing each one. State with each call you would like interaction to be in writing and make sure you note that you said that in each letter you send summarizing the call. And i am sure it needs not be said, keep a copy of everything you send them. Many times if you don't dispute it aggressively, they will simply take that as your agreement you owe the money but won't pay, but many times if you do dispute it in writing and aggressively, they will write it off - especially the doctor may which is why you cc him on everything. What they will take you to court for is to garnish your income, and you will want to show the court that you have aggressively and in writing disputed the bill they are trying to force you to pay and NOT that you simply aren't paying a bill you agree you owe. Courts love paperwork, and you can always show the court that the reason you haven't paid is because a dispute NOT a unwillingness to pay a legit bill. Also, i would get the medical records that include of the visit from the doctor as well as asking them to indicate where this doctor was asked to consult and by whom. This should be in the records also. Good luck, i would make sure you actively dispute this in writing and get paperwork, in case you are brought into court. angel
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