How to protect yourself against mistakes in doctors’ bills: The Prescott Daily Courier

Summary: “Errors in medical bills are common. Seven steps noted below can help you reduce the odds of paying more than you should,” Elizabeth Bewley writes in The Daily Courier in Prescott, Ariz. “First, don’t pay cash in the doctor’s office. If you must pay a deductible, co-pay, or other charge in person, pay by check or credit card. That way, you’ll have more records (cancelled check image, credit card bill) to show that you paid. Second, if your doctor’s office asks you to pay on the spot for a balance due when you haven’t gotten a statement yet, explain that you prefer to have the paperwork before you pay, to keep your records straight. Third, when you get a bill, if you have health insurance, check the related Explanation of Benefits (EOB) your health insurer provides. (Medicare calls its EOBs ‘Medicare Summary Notices.’) If you have both primary and secondary insurance, such as Medicare and supplemental insurance, check both. Make sure that this paperwork shows that you owe the money. … ” For more, click on the link. Elizabeth Bewley, “How can you protect yourself against mistakes in doctors’ bills?” The Prescott Daily Courier, Prescott, Ariz.