What should I do if I receive a bill from the hospital?

If you receive a bill from the hospital or other medical provider following services rendered, here are some steps you can take:

• Verify the accuracy of the bill: thoroughly review the bill to make sure it is accurate and related to the medical services you received.
• Contact your broker or agent: If you have health insurance, check if the bill is covered by your policy. You can contact your broker or agent for more information about coverage and cost-sharing.
• Keep records and documentation: Keep copies of all bills, communications and payment agreements for your personal records and for future reference
• Do not pay immediately: If you disagree with the bill and believe you should not pay it, it is advisable not to make payment until you have communicated with your broker or agent for precise instructions on how to proceed with collection. It is important to maintain open communication with both your broker or agent and your insurance company to resolve any billing issues effectively.
• The hospital will provide access through its portal. The billing process for hospitals and physicians in the United States may vary depending on the system they use. Each entity bills individually and may have a different billing cycle. Below are some of the portals they use, where policyholders can get instant information and check the status of their account.
  
  • MyChart
  • FollowMyHealth
  • AthenaHealth

These portals generally require patients to register and create an account to securely access their medical and billing information. They provide convenient options for managing healthcare-related financial transactions online, including viewing statements.