Doctor Bills & Insurance

Receiving Bills & Health Insurance (or Medicare)

Here is some important information and WISDOM!  Never EVER just pay a doctor bill without doing some due diligence. Doctors often will send patients a bill just because they didn't do your insurance or the insurance didn't pay. Do not be fooled before you consider paying a doctor bill. You should verify the following:

• What was the date of service?
• What service was rendered?
• Did they send the claim to your correct insurance company?
• Have you received or verified with the insurance company that the claim (bill you received) received?
• Have you matched the bill with your insurance companies explanation of benefits?

 You should feel confident about paying the medical bill once you've taken the appropriate steps.

• If ANY of the above is unclear to you or uncertain, you should contact the BILLING office directly for clarification. You may also request an itemized bill/statement. You should have this information prior to contacting your insurance company with questions.

WISDOM ~ All explanation of benefits* or processed claims can be viewed on your insurance companies website if you have created your online account (or on Medicare.gov - for those on original Medicare + a Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan).
​         *An explanation of benefits (or Medicare Summary Notice) is NOT a bill. This is telling you what they received from your medical provider and what they have to pay, what they will or will not pay and what you may owe if another payor does not owe it. See HOW To READ and UNDERSTAND a summary of benefits here.