Picking back up on the topic of health care for 2017, we continue this week with suggestions from AARP to help all of us to become more empowered consumers. Let’s begin with hospital savings.
Obviously, we don’t have a choice when an emergency occurs; whether by personal vehicle or ambulance, we travel to the closest facility. On the other hand, elective surgery or treatment for a chronic condition calls for negotiation – now.
Make an appointment with the hospital’s ombudsman. I advise sitting down with the officer at each local hospital to determine the least-costly fees.
If you haven’t negotiated, don’t be surprised if you’re hit with a mind-blowing hospital bill. Don’t panic yet. If the bill is a summary, ask for a detailed one. Once the detailed bill is in your hands, scrutinize closely and look for obvious mistakes.
Since studies show that at least half of all hospitals send out erroneous billing statements, it’s in the patient’s best interest to go over it with a fine tooth comb.