How to Read Your Medical Bill: A Simple Guide for Patients
Getting a medical bill in the mail can feel overwhelming. It’s filled with codes, confusing terms, and unexpected charges.
At CareSounds, we believe every patient should feel confident about what they’re being charged for. Here's a quick, easy-to-understand guide to reading your medical bill—and how we can help you if something doesn’t look right.
1. Start With the Basics
Your medical bill usually starts with general info:
- Patient name
- Account number
- Service date
- Provider/hospital name
Check this first. Even small errors can lead to claim denials or incorrect charges.
2. Look for the CPT or Procedure Codes
These are 5-digit codes used to describe what procedures or services you received (like lab tests or x-rays). They should match what your doctor told you was done. If something looks unfamiliar, ask your provider or contact CareSounds.
3. Understand the Charges
A typical bill breaks down:
- Total cost of service
- Amount covered by insurance
- What insurance didn’t cover
- Your responsibility (the amount you owe)
Compare this with your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company. They should match or be very close.
4. Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious of:
- Unexpected out-of-network fees
- Duplicate charges
- Upcoding or vague descriptions
- “Balance billing” that may violate the No Surprises Act
If anything feels off, don’t pay it just yet. Contact us to review it first.
5. Call CareSounds Before Paying Anything
We specialize in reviewing confusing medical bills, identifying errors, and negotiating with providers or insurers on your behalf. You don’t need to go it alone.
Let’s Make It Simple
Bills shouldn’t be scary. Our team at CareSounds is here to:
- Decode complex billing language
- Match bills with EOBs
- Fix incorrect charges
- Help you avoid overpaying
