How to dispute hospital and medical bills
Medical bills are confusing on purpose, or at least by habit. Errors are common, and you have the right to ask what each line is.
Ask for the itemized bill
Request a bill that lists every charge with its billing code, not just a total. Ask for your insurer's explanation of benefits too. Do not pay until you have both, and until the insurer has finished processing the claim.
Look for common problems
- Charges for services you did not receive, or charged twice.
- Fees for a doctor who was out of network when you went to an in-network hospital.
- Facility fees that were not explained.
- Amounts your insurer already paid or adjusted.
Surprise out-of-network bills
For emergency care, and for some care at an in-network hospital, federal rules limit how much out-of-network providers can bill you. If your bill looks like a surprise charge, ask whether those protections apply.
Ask about financial help
Many hospitals have financial assistance or charity care programs. Ask for the application, even if you think you do not qualify.
What to put in your letter
- Your account number and the date of service.
- The lines you dispute and why.
- A request for an itemized bill and a hold on collections while it is reviewed.
- What you want: removal or correction of the charges.
If they say no
Ask for the billing supervisor, then the hospital's patient advocate. You can also contact your insurer and your state's insurance or consumer office. This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice.
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