Define Inflated Medical Billing

The current state of the nation's health-care system is a hot topic, and many Americans are left fighting for the best coverage, to find insurance or to simply afford going to a doctor. Being that the costs of these visits alone are quite a financial burden, going to such appointments without insurance can leave patients buried under medical bills. Add to that an inflated or fraudulent bill and the sick may not be able to afford the care they need.

Identification

• Inflated medical billing is characterized by an increased or higher charge for any medical services or medication charge than what is either normal or standard. This sometimes can be attributed to human or computer error, but in some cases it is an intentional deception by the hospital, doctor, insurer or other biller. An inflated bill is not only unfair to the patient, but it's illegal if done intentionally.

Significance

• According to Medical Billing Recovery Services, a study found that more than 90 percent of medical bills contained errors that caused inflated charges. Denials from a patient's insurance to cover such costs also fall under the category of inflated medical billing, because the patient is then left to pay the remaining charges. Insurance companies are also guilty of producing errors in their billing systems or using deceptive measures to pay less than what they are expected to.

Effects

• Patients are most affected by unfair billing practices. Families already under tight budgets can incur substantial debt if their children or one of their family members falls ill and is in need or intensive, or even moderate, medical care. The elderly also frequently fall victim, having to choose between their medications or having enough money to pay for food or rent. Inflated medical bills have great repercussions, especially in a poor economy.

Features

• Some charges fall under the category of up-coding, which is the most common type of incorrect charge. This occurs when you are charged the price of a name brand or more expensive medication or service when you in fact received the generic brand. Sometimes a patient is charged multiple times for the same visit, stay or medication. There are also cases of charges for incorrect length of stay, inflated room prices and exaggerated time in in the operating room.

Prevention/Solution

• Careful scrutiny of your bills is the best way to prevent being charged more than you should. If you suspect you are being fraudulently or mistakenly charged, contact an attorney or a medical billing recovery service to plead your case.