Health-care costs: A fight for answers, and relief

Have you ever taken a close look at the bills sent by your doctor? asked Parija Kavilanz in CNNmoney.com. You might discover something surprising. Unfortunately, “there is no such thing as a standardized price list for doctors’ fees or medical procedures.” Rates can vary drastically, depending on whether the patient or the insurer is picking up the tab. “No one pays the same price on anything,” says Barry Silbaugh, CEO of the American College of Physician Executives. But with high-deductible plans growing in popularity, consumers keeping a close eye on their budgets “have reason to care” about what they’re paying at the doctor’s office.

The price tags on your own treatments don’t have to be a taboo subject, said Anna Sachse in The Philadelphia Inquirer. “Before a procedure takes place,” review your policy to get a sense of what is and is not covered. “Ask the medical provider what the fee is, if there are any hidden costs, and what the fees might be for typical complications.” If you’re concerned about out-of-pocket costs, let your doctor know: Many tests and procedures frequently ordered aren’t medically necessary. Finally, don’t be afraid to bargain for a lower price. A 2005 Harris Interactive poll found that more than 60 percent of people who asked ­successfully reduced their bill. Paying upfront and in cash also doesn’t hurt—you can shave 10 to 30 percent off your bill.

Those who don’t have the time or inclination to “haggle” with providers can end up saddled with debts, said Lesley Alderman in The New York Times. If that’s a concern of yours, consider ­hiring a medical mediator. These billing experts are “trained to spot errors” and speak “the language that medical providers understand.” You can search for a mediator at the Medical Billing Advocates of America website, Billingadvocates.com. Some experts only charge a fee if they save you money; ­others bill you no matter what. “Make sure you clarify the terms at the outset.”­ The point is to trim your tab, not un­wittingly add to it.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up