I understand this is additional cost for the providers and hospitals but in the long run this will actually save them money because 1. unnecessary write-offs will be lessened 2. will increase the quality the quality of service they provide and will therefore increase their patients.

In the meantime, I’ll add my thoughts and prayers for all of you.

For those reading who may not know–some things you CAN do up front or early on in the process:

1) Always check to see if the providers are in the Preferred Network–not just accepting your insurance, but actively IN the Preferred Network. Not only does this allow the greater discounting and higher coinsurance paid by your medical coverage, but the providers sign contracts saying they will NOT balance bill you for the difference between the usual, reasonable and customary and what they billed! Just because they showed up in the hard-copy directory or on the online directory does not mean they are still involved, or if you don’t see them, that they are not-it may be mis-spelled or under another location’s address.

2) Ask your doctors if a procedure or lab is really necessary, or if they can wait until ones that are necessary are done first to see what really may be going on. Those procedures can really add up, and if possible, see if your coverage will cover them under an office visit copay if you are going to a clinic with an attached lab and can have it done the same day as your doctor’s visit. This may save you deductible AND coinsurance costs.

3) Check if they have to do a pre-authorization for hospitalization or more unusual procedures (not basic office visits) or if you need to co-ordinate a visit to a specialist with your primary doctor.

4) Ask for generics whenever possible on prescriptions, or if it is for a small trial, see if they have a sample pack you can use.

5) If you do have to go in for long-term stays, keep track of what you recall being done/happening, or have someone you trust do so as well. What providers worked with you, what meals or services were provided. You can ask the billing department for work ups, but I don’t recommend doing so every day until you get one, they can get cranky too!

6) Use the 800 number on your card and ask the customer service people for information. You may need to get billing codes from your doctor on services in order to get more information, BUT you can usually obtain a cost estimate of what your medical insurance will cover for a procedure that way.

–says the person who has to work on things like this for clients every day– :)