Have you ever had trouble understanding your medical bills?
Well, you’re not alone!
The medical billing process can be really confusing for anyone, even doctors and nurses. At first, it might take some effort to figure out how it all works. Sometimes, you might even need help from an expert if you get stuck.
That’s where MEDICAL BILLING ADVOCATES come in.
These are people who are there to help patients like you and me. They make sure we understand our medical bills and can sort out any issues we have with insurance companies.
Below is a detailed guide to help you understand medical billing advocates more.
Who is a Medical Billing Advocate?
Medical billing advocates are professionals who help patients understand and deal with medical bills. Basically, they make medical bills easier to understand for patients. Here is what they do:
➜ First, they carefully check medical bills to make sure they are correct. They look for any mistakes or unfair charges along the way.
➜ Next, they talk to insurance companies about lowering the amount patients have to pay. They try really hard to get the best deal for patients.
➜ Also, they explain insurance policies and medical billing rules in simple terms. Things like copays and deductibles can be so confusing. Advocates break it down step by step so it’s easy to understand.
➜ Finally, they happily answer any questions patients have about their medical bills. Patients can feel totally lost trying to deal with complicated bills. Advocates kindly guide them through the process.
Medical Billing Advocates often work independently and charge patients a small fee. Their job is to take the stress out of medical billing. They make sure patients pay the right amount and understand what they are paying for.
Get Help Understanding Medical Bills
BellMedEx medical billing advocates break down complicated medical bills and explain them in simple terms, so you’re not left confused by billing codes and jargon.
8 Benefits of Hiring a Medical Billing Advocate
Medical billing advocates can help you (i.e the patients) in many ways.
They Are Experts In Medical Billing
First of all, they are experts in medical billing and insurance. This means they know all about medical codes, insurance terms, and billing practices. So if there are any mistakes in your medical bills or if you are overcharged, they can spot these errors and fix them.
They Can Save You Money
Another big benefit of using medical billing advocates is that they can save you a lot of money. For example, by checking your medical bills for errors, they can make sure you don’t pay more than you should. Also, they can negotiate with insurance companies to get you discounts.
They Help with Insurance Claims
What’s more, if your insurance claim is denied, medical billing advocates can help you appeal it. They will help you prepare and submit all the necessary documents to the insurance company. Plus, if you have any misunderstandings about your insurance plan, they can clear those up for you. They will also check if your claim should have been covered under your plan or not.
They Save Time and Reduce Stress
Lastly, dealing with medical bills and payment disputes can be really time-consuming and stressful, especially if you’ve just been sick. That’s why hiring a medical billing advocate is a good idea. They will handle all the communication with hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies for you. This saves you a lot of time and stress.
They Provide Personalized Support
Medical billing advocates take the time to understand the patient’s specific medical situation and financial capacity. Then, they create a custom action plan according to the patient’s needs and ensure avoiding any financial burden.
They Have Knowledge of Consumer Protection Laws
In addition, advocates know the consumer protection laws related to medical billing and save you from illegal practices like surprise billing or balance billing. For example, surprise billing is when you take services from an out of network doctor and you’re charged for the difference between what the insurance pays and the provider’s charges.
They Assist with Out-of-Network Issues
Furthermore, if you’ve received services from an out-of-network provider the billing advocate would help you understand the financial responsibility. They will also work on negotiating a lower rate with the healthcare provider or insurance company.
They Provide a Learning Opportunity
Finally, while working with a medical billing advocate you can learn all the ins and outs of the medical billing and insurance claims. Once your knowledge and understanding is improved you’ll be making better choices in the future saving you time, effort and money.
Best Ways to Find a Medical Billing Advocate
Do you need help with your medical bills? Finding a medical billing advocate can make things easier. But how do you find one? Let me tell you the best ways.
Professional Organizations
First, there are special groups that have lists of certified medical billing advocates. You can look at their lists and find someone good. Some of these groups are:
- American Medical Billing Association (AMBA)
- National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC)
- The Alliance of Claim Assistance Professionals (ACAP)
Referrals
Next, you can ask people you know for suggestions. Talk to your doctor, insurance company, or even friends and family. They may know a great advocate. Asking people who have used an advocate before can help you make a good choice.
Online Search
Finally, you can search online for medical billing advocates near you. Many websites let you read reviews from other people. Just be sure to pick someone with lots of good reviews and fair prices.
Confused by Medical Bills?
Get a free consultation with our billing advocates to walk through your medical bills, explain charges, and create a plan to tackle payments – so you see bills coming and avoid surprises.
FAQs
Are advocates for medical billing expensive?
Most individuals could afford them. Their billing approach affects their fees. For instance, should a medical billing advocate charge hourly, the fees could run from $75 to $350 per hour. Conversely, should they charge based on the money you save, the charges might be between 25% and 35% of the total saved.
What information do medical billing advocates need?
Medical billing advocates may request the following from you:
- Personal Information Details About Health Insurance
- Medical Bills
- Signed Authorization Form
- Medical Notes (should necessary)
- Payment Transcripts
Does every medical bill issue require hiring a Medical Billing Advocate?
No. By calling your insurance company or healthcare provider, you may fix basic medical billing problems on your own. You basically need someone to advocate for difficult problems, large costs, or when you lack time or information to handle things on your own.
