Wrong Estimate for MRI Costs
I recently had an MRI done at a hospital, and at the time, they told me I owed $600, which I paid before the procedure.
However, two weeks later, I received a letter stating that I owe an additional $626. When I contacted the billing department, I found out that the person who entered my insurance details mistakenly miscalculated the deductible as $200 instead of the actual $2000.
Now they are insisting that I pay the additional amount. Had I been given the correct estimate upfront, I would have opted for a more affordable cash price MRI at a facility just one city over.
Is there anything I can do to dispute this charge and avoid paying the extra amount?
Thanks!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds incredibly frustrating. Here are a few steps you can take to address the issue:
Contact the Billing Department Again: Explain the situation in detail, including the error made by the staff member who input your insurance information. Ask if they can adjust your bill or reconsider the charges based on the incorrect estimate you received.
Request a Formal Review: Ask for a formal review of your case. Document everything, including dates, names of individuals you spoke to, and any correspondence you received. This will help support your case.
Get Everything in Writing: Request written documentation of both the initial estimate and the new charges. This can be useful if you need to escalate the matter.
Speak to a Supervisor: If the billing department is unhelpful, ask to speak to a supervisor or manager. They may have more authority to resolve your issue.
Check Your Insurance Policy: Review your insurance policy to understand your rights and what should have been covered. If the hospital misrepresented your deductible, you might have grounds to dispute the charge.
File a Complaint: If you are still unsatisfied and feel that your concerns are not being addressed, consider filing a complaint with the hospital’s patient advocacy department or your state’s department of health.
Look into Legal Aid: If all else fails, you may want to seek advice from a legal aid organization or an attorney who specializes in consumer rights or medical billing issues.
Remember to stay calm and persistent throughout this process. Good luck, and I hope you find a resolution soon!