Believe it or not you are not the only one who has medical bills. They seem endless and never ending. You can get them from medical providers you have never heard or thought of. Where did all these bills come from?
Let’s break it down. When you are admitted to the hospital for a scheduled surgery there is a facility fee. The doctors which are treating you have their fees. When tests are performed such as x-ray, MRI’s, lab or any medication there are fees for these.
While in surgery there is an assistant surgeon and last but not least the Anesthesiologist. These are all the normal fees but of course there could be other fees for your special needs.
If you are inpatient in the hospital this starts from the first 24-hour period in the hospital.
Outpatient is the Emergency room.
Wow! these fees add up and your bill could be at least 30 pages long. When you have medical insurance your insurance company is billed. The insurance company whatever it is will usually pay 80% of the allowable. The allowable is determined from the contract your medical provider (the hospital) has with your insurance company. This is written off in a contractual agreement. It can be a different amount for different insurance plans. After the insurance has paid you are billed the balance of the bill if you do not have a 2nd insurance to apply it to.
If you have 10 bills from different Medical Providers this can get really confusing and expensive.
There are all kinds of problems which can crop up which your medical insurance company will bring to your attention. This is where medical appeals come in.
Also, you must have some kind of understanding on how your insurance company works if you want to protect yourself and your family.
Medical Fees
Facility (Operating Room)
Surgeon
Surgeon Assistant
Medication
X-ray
Miscellaneous
Anesthesiologist
After Surgery
Daily charges and this, depends upon the level of care received.
Note: This information is on the assumption that everyone and everything used for your inpatient/outpatient stay, or surgery was contracted and authorized by your medical insurance company.
When you receive your (EOB) or Explanation of Benefits it will read line by line what is authorized and paid for and what isn’t.
Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read any of my numerous articles on various subjects.
Linda Meckler copyright 2009 updated 2021 www.lindameckler-author-artist.com
Over the years I have had to choose the best Medicare Plan for me.
Even though you don’t have medical insurance you can still se a private doctor.
Four books in the Christy and Brad Adventure Series from ages 8 to adult