Receiving a medical bill can be overwhelming, especially if it is a predatory medical bill. Here we’re going to discuss what a predatory medical bill is, and we’ll provide you with the steps to crush your medical debt. By following these steps, you can make sure that you only pay for the honest care you received and not bills that are scamming you.

What is a Predatory Medical Bill?

A predatory medical bill is a dishonest and exploitative billing practice that targets patients and often results in huge charges for medical services. Predatory medical bills take advantage of our vulnerability and lack of knowledge regarding medical billing procedures. They can lead to overwhelming medical debts, causing significant financial hardship for you.

These bills often include inflated charges, unnecessary services, undisclosed fees, or billing errors that result in unjustified expenses. Not all medical bills are predatory in nature, but reports show that as many as 80% of medical bills are wrong!

You should never pay a medical bill blindly. Question everything and don’t get suckered into paying something you shouldn’t.

Predatory Billing Tactics:

Manipulating CPT Codes

One common aspect of predatory medical billing is the manipulation of CPT codes (Current Procedural Terminology). CPT codes are standardized codes used to identify and describe medical services and procedures provided to patients. Providers may deliberately assign incorrect or higher-value CPT codes to inflate charges and receive more money from insurance companies. This practice is unethical and can lead to substantial financial burdens for patients.

Revenue Codes

Predatory medical bills may involve revenue codes, which are used to classify different types of services and determine billing categories. Providers might manipulate revenue codes to misrepresent services and increase the overall bill amount.

Charged For Services Not Received

In some cases, patients may be charged for services they did not receive or for unnecessary procedures. This could involve prescribing excessive prescription drugs or performing medically unnecessary tests or treatments solely for financial gain.

What Can You Do About a Predatory Medical Bill?

When faced with a predatory medical bill, it’s important to take immediate action. If there’s one thing you learn from us, it is to follow this three-step process about crushing your medical debt

#1. Call for an Itemized Bill

Start by contacting the billing department of your healthcare provider and request an itemized bill. An itemized bill provides a breakdown of the services you received, including the associated costs–and make sure you get the CPT codes.

#2. Research CPT Codes and Costs

Once you have the itemized bill, research the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and their corresponding costs. Here is a site where you can search CPT codes for free. You can cross-reference the CPT code list with Medicare. Here is the Medicare site where you can look up Medicare payments by CPT code.

It happens like this: say one of the items on your bill has the CPT code 90658:

• Research the CPT code to find out what it is for. In this case, it’s for a flu shot
• Then research what Medicare will pay for 90658. Currently, they will pay $11.37
• Now you know exactly what you are going to pay–and not a penny more.
• Continue these steps for every CPT code on your bill.

#3. Negotiate with the Medical Provider

Armed with the knowledge of the services you received and their appropriate costs, initiate a negotiation with your medical provider. Discuss any billing errors or discrepancies you have identified, and present your findings in a clear and respectful manner.

Tell them the amount you have added up from your research with the CPT codes and Medicare billing. Tell them that you will pay that amount, and no more, and that you need a no-interest payment plan.

What You Should Never Do When You Get a Predatory Medical Bill

• Never ignore the bill: Ignoring the bill will not make it disappear. It’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications.
• Never pay without verifying: Before making any payment, ensure that the charges are accurate and justified. Verify the services rendered, corresponding costs, and insurance coverage if applicable.
• Never provide your payment information without caution: Be wary of sharing your debit card details without understanding the legitimacy of the charges. Predatory billing practices may attempt to exploit your financial information.
• NEVER pay your medical bills with a credit card or a home equity line of credit. Paying off your medical bills should always be 0% interest. And, when you transfer medical debt from your provider to the credit card company, you lose the ability to negotiate. NEVER pay your medical bills with credit.
• Never assume the bill is correct: Medical bills can contain errors or overcharges. Take the time to review the itemized bill and investigate any discrepancies.

Takeaways

Receiving a predatory medical bill can be distressing, but you need to take action to address the issue. By requesting an itemized bill, researching CPT codes and costs, and negotiating with your medical provider, you can work towards resolving the predatory medical bill.

Crush Medical Debt is here to support you throughout this process, offering guidance and resources to help you overcome predatory medical bills and regain your financial stability.