Some physicians outsource their medical billing services to companies that allow you negotiating power in getting your bills lowered. Management at these companies are more than willing to work with patients in getting their bills resolved in the fastest way possible. Following are steps to help you lower your medical bills.
Instructions
1. Collect all related bills for physicians who rendered your medical services. Combine them by each date of service.
2. Sort the bills according to each physician who treated you even if they contain the same "remit to" address on your bills. It is very important that you do this because each physician, although working within a particular billing group, will have his own personal agenda when it comes to collections and how much allowance he is willing to make.
3. Consolidate all individual medical bills for each physician. Once this is done, you will want to write down the grand total for each.
4. Write a letter to each physician expressing your thanks for his professional and courteous service. Physicians are very aware of how costly medical bills are so will not come as a surprise to them. Briefly explain any trying circumstances that prevent you from paying the total. Be honest, keeping in mind that doctors also read many scam letters. Express your desire to settle your account as quickly as possible. Offer to settle for 50 percent of the grand total. You will be surprised at how many physicians will lower your bills and accept this amount. It never hurts to start high. Office management will probably counter-offer with a higher amount but lower than the original amount. If your 50 percent offer is not accepted, you will still be saving money off the original charge.
5. Verify the doctor's office has received your letter after you've mailed it. If the physician handles his own billing, he will be forwarded a copy of your letter from his staff. If he outsources his billing, the management staff will evaluate your letter and either follow protocol already in place for that physician or they will consult with the physician who will then instruct them on what is acceptable as payment in full.
6. Pay your bill according to whatever terms you outlined in your letter. This will assure the physician that any future visits will be honored as well. If another request is needed due to future visits, he will be more inclined to lower them as well.
Tags: your letter, each physician, medical bills, your bills, future visits, future visits will