How to Dispute Your Medical Bill

Unexpected medical bills can cause stress and financial strain. Mistakes in billing happen more often than many realize, and disputing a medical bill can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Knowing how to approach this process confidently can protect your finances and give you peace of mind.

This guide walks you through practical steps to dispute a medical bill effectively, with clear examples and tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.

For a printable version with a list of steps click here.

Medicine and money

Understand Your Medical Bill

Before disputing a bill, you need to understand what you are being charged for. Medical bills often include multiple charges for different services, tests, and medications.

• Request an itemized bill if you only received a summary. This breaks down each charge.

• Check the dates of service to ensure they match your treatment period.

• Look for duplicate charges or fees for services you did not receive.

• Compare the bill with your insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) to see what was covered and what you owe.

  
  

Example: Jane received a bill for a blood test twice, but her doctor only ordered it once. The itemized bill helped her spot the duplicate charge.

Gather Documentation

Collect all relevant documents before you start disputing the bill. This includes:

• Itemized medical bill

• Explanation of benefits from your insurance

• Medical records or doctor's notes if needed

• Previous correspondence with the hospital or provider

• Your insurance policy details

  
  

Having everything organized will make your case stronger and speed up the process.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Start by calling the billing department of the hospital or clinic. Be polite but firm. Explain the specific charges you believe are incorrect and ask for clarification.

• Take notes during the call: record the date, time, name of the person you spoke with, and what was discussed.

• Ask if they can correct errors or provide discounts.

• Request a written confirmation of any agreed changes.

  
  

Example: Mark called his hospital to dispute a charge for a service he never received. After explaining the situation, the billing department agreed to remove the charge and sent him a corrected bill.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If your insurance denied coverage for a service you believe should be covered, contact your insurer.

• Ask why the claim was denied.

• Provide any additional information or documentation they request.

• File an appeal if necessary, following the insurer’s appeal process.

  
  

Keep track of deadlines for appeals, as missing these can forfeit your right to dispute.

Write a Formal Dispute Letter

If phone calls don’t resolve the issue, write a formal dispute letter. This letter should include:

• Your full name, address, and account number

• A clear explanation of the charges you dispute

• Copies of supporting documents

• A list of comparable prices for the same procedure or the price the facility listed contrary to your bill

• A request for a correction or adjustment

• Your contact information for follow-up

  
  
  
  

To find the pricing medical facilities are required to list under the Hospital Transparency Act, check out Patient Rights Advocate's price tool here.

Send the letter via certified mail to have proof of delivery.

For an editable letter template, click here.

Know Your Rights

Many states have laws protecting patients from unfair medical billing practices. Some key rights include:

• The right to receive an itemized bill

• The right to dispute charges within a certain time frame

• Limits on how much you can be charged for out-of-network care in emergencies

  
  

Research your state’s specific laws or check your state Department of Health for Patient Bill of Rights. Each hospital/facility may also have their own list of rights.

Use Patient Advocacy Resources

If you feel overwhelmed, patient advocacy groups can help. They offer free or low-cost assistance to review bills, negotiate with providers, and guide you through the dispute process.

Examples of organizations include:

• Medical Billing Advocates of America

• Patient Rights Advocates

• Patient Advocate Foundation

• Local consumer protection offices

  
  

Tips to Avoid Future Billing Issues

• Verify your insurance coverage before receiving care.

• Ask for cost estimates upfront for planned procedures.

• Keep copies of all medical records and bills.

• Review bills promptly to catch errors early.

• Use in-network providers whenever possible.

  
  

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dispute is complex or the amount is large, consider hiring a medical billing advocate or a lawyer specializing in healthcare billing. They can negotiate on your behalf and may have more success in reducing your bill.

For a printable version with a list of steps click here.

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