Common Medical Billing Issues for Seniors and Caregivers
Identifying Payment Deadlines
Hospitals and healthcare providers typically send unpaid bills to collections within five to six months. While policies vary, most expect full payment within 90 days of service or 45 days after insurance processing.
Unpaid bills can negatively impact credit scores and are a leading cause of personal bankruptcy.
Detecting Billing Errors
Billing mistakes are common, and carefully reviewing medical bills is essential. Common errors include:
Charges for Unprovided Services
Patients should dispute any charges for tests or procedures that were not performed.
Duplicate Billing
Ensure services are not billed twice unless properly coded for necessary repeat procedures.
Incorrect Billing Practices
Certain services, like post-surgery follow-up visits, should be included in the global fee and not billed separately.
Unauthorized Charges
Basic hospital services like bedding and gowns should be part of room-and-board costs.
Patients can request medical records to verify services received. Caregivers must have HIPAA authorization or healthcare power of attorney to access this information.
Communicating with Insurance Companies
Patients and caregivers must act quickly to correct billing errors due to "timely filing" requirements.
If claims are not submitted within the insurer’s timeframe, they may be denied, leaving the patient responsible for the full amount. Appeals also have strict deadlines, making prompt action crucial.
How Medical Billing Advocates Help
If managing medical bills becomes too complex, professional medical billing advocates can provide essential support. Up to 90% of hospital bills contain errors, often leading to unnecessary expenses. Advocates assist by:
- Identifying billing errors and overcharges
- Negotiating with providers and insurers for fair pricing
- Clarifying insurance policies and coverage terms
- Assisting with claims and appeals to ensure proper reimbursement
Finding a Medical Billing Advocate
Free assistance with Medicare claims is available through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). National organizations like the Patient Advocate Foundation also offer help at no cost.
For complex billing issues, hiring a professional advocate may be beneficial. Word-of-mouth referrals are a great way to find a reputable expert. Most work remotely via phone and email, so location is not a barrier.
Costs of Hiring a Medical Billing Advocate
Medical billing advocates typically charge:
Hourly Rates
Clients pay for the time spent reviewing and resolving billing issues.
Contingency Fees
Advocates take a percentage (typically 25–35%) of the amount they successfully reduce from the bill.
Before hiring, discuss fees upfront and get terms in writing. While advocate services come at a cost, they can save patients thousands of dollars in excessive medical charges.
MedMax Oncology Medical Billing Services
MedMax Technologies specializes in accurate and efficient medical billing for oncology providers, ensuring:
Faster Claims Processing
Reducing delays and optimizing reimbursements.
Appeals & Collections Support
Maximizing revenue recovery.
Transparent Reporting
Providing real-time insights into financial performance.
Advanced Technology Integration
Streamlining the billing process for efficiency.
With expertise in coding, insurance policies, and compliance, MedMax enhances financial success for oncology practices.
Partner with MedMax for Oncology Billing Solutions
MedMax Technologies ensures financial stability and operational efficiency for oncology providers through advanced billing solutions.
Our expert team helps streamline workflows, enhance compliance, and accelerate reimbursements.