The experts at Resolvly realize that healthcare in the U.S. is in a state of financial crisis for millions of Americans. Even with insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket costs of healthcare can be prohibitively high. Many people avoid going to the doctor because they’re afraid of the bills that will follow.

Office visits, lab work, tests, procedures, surgery – and for every appointment, another bill. There’s seemingly no solution because when you avoid getting the medical attention you need, your health may only get worse.

Eventually, you can’t avoid medical issues. On top of ongoing health problems, emergencies happen. It’s routine to get emergency room bills for hundreds of dollars – and that’s after the insurance coverage kicks in. If you don’t have insurance, the cost is even higher.

So how do you get the care you need while avoiding financially-devastating medical bills? Resolvly, experts in the debt resolution field encourage everyone to do their due diligence so that medical expenses do not become a financial burden.

1. Shop Around

Whether you have insurance or not, different doctors and hospitals charge differently for the same services. Consider calling around and learning the cost before you move forward with any type of office visit, test, or procedure.

You can find an economical provider that aligns with your health needs by comparing costs in advance. If you have insurance, you can then double-check your coverage. You may even find an out-of-network option that’s cheaper than what you’d pay out-of-pocket with an in-network provider.

2. Do Your Research

When you move forward with a medical procedure, it’s your responsibility to do the research and ask questions. Making sure that all aspects of your medical care are in-network is one way you can save a lot of money. 

Every medical provider and insurance company is different. There’s no guarantee that they’ll inform you that a specific service provider is out-of-network until after the fact. There’s a higher risk of this happening with a bigger procedure, like surgery, because multiple providers are involved.

You might have surgery with a surgeon covered by your insurance, only to find out afterward that the anesthesiologist is out-of-network, but you won’t know this until the bill comes your way. Ask these questions in advance to avoid unfortunate billing surprises.

3. Ask for an Itemized Bill

Medical bills are unique because they’re one of the few bills people pay without stopping to ask what they’re paying for—a big mistake. Always ask for an itemized medical bill.

You should know with 100% certainty what a healthcare provider is charging you for and each item’s cost. This understanding is a great way to catch mistakes and challenge items that aren’t charged at the rate they should be.

4. Use Non-Profit Financial Assistance

Most hospitals in the U.S. are registered as non-profits. Non-profit status means that legally, they’re required to provide financial assistance, though the process varies by facility and state.

If you do an internet search for your hospital’s name and the keyword “financial assistance,” it should bring you directly to a page where you can complete an application for help with your bills. If you’re under a certain income level, a hospital might forgive the entire debt.

How Resolvly Can Help

If you’re facing large amounts of medical debt, Resolvly can help. Resolvly LLC is a Florida Bar-approved lawyer referral service that helps clients nationwide achieve debt resolution. Their knowledgeable team connects individuals to trusted consumer protection attorneys who have helped thousands of clients achieve reduced or dismissed medical bills. Contact Resolvly today for a free consultation.