AUSTIN, Texas. If you were hurt in a car accident, bike accident, or pedestrian accident, you might have faced a visit to the emergency room. When individuals are taken to the ER, they can find themselves saddled with unexpected medical bills, even if they have medical insurance. Not all hospitals are considered “in network.” Hospitals that treat patients “out of network” might charge patients multiple times more than they would charge an in-network patient. Because patients often don’t have a choice about which emergency room they are taken to after an accident, they could find themselves facing high medical bills when their insurance refuses to pay for out of network charges. Some patients have found themselves getting bills in the mail in the tens of thousands of dollars. Because hospitals are not always up front about what they charge for medical services, patients often won’t know how much their hospital visit will cost them until they get a bill in the mail.
So, what can you do if you received a surprise medical bill in the mail? According to Vox, some patients have been able to negotiate their hospital bills to more reasonable amounts. Other patients who trace the billing codes they see on their bills have been able to argue that the wrong code was used (it happens more often than you might realize). However, in order to negotiate for a lower bill, patients may either already need to know something about medical billing or may have to do their research. If you receive an unexpected hospital bill, take the time to find out how much the hospital would charge for the same services for an in-network patient. Find out what other hospitals in your area charge for the same services. Armed with this information, you may sometimes be able to negotiate a lower amount. According to the New York Times, some patients have been hiring lawyers to help them. The Times reports that under contract law, patients might be able to successfully argue the higher bills down. Because many hospitals are not up front about the amounts they charge for services, and because patients don’t sign contracts for services that make clear how much each service will be charged, patients can sometimes use the concept of mutual assent to fight their bills. In some cases, hospitals give in and lower the bills to reflect the average charges for services, rather than the higher charges often levied upon out of network patients.
The Robson Law Firm are personal injury lawyers in Austin, Texas who may be able to take a look at your hospital bills, help you speak to medical billing at the hospital, and fight exorbitant bills.
Another way to fight unexpected hospital bills is to seek a settlement with your car insurance company or with negligent parties after an accident. If your crash occurred due to the negligence or neglect of another person or driver, you may have the right to seek damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. The Robson Law Firm are car accident lawyers in Austin, Texas who can review your medical costs and fight by your side to help you settle your bills.
Robson Law Firm
1114 Lost Creek Boulevard
Suite 440
Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 345-8200