For Patients: Medical billing advocates can help you steer clear of costly mistakes

12:00 AM CDT on Monday, June 23, 2008
By PAMELA YIP / The Dallas Morning News

If you don't have the energy to deal with high medical bills because you're seriously ill, don't panic. There are professionals who can help you.

A medical billing advocate will comb through your medical bill for errors that cost you more money than you should pay.

Nora Johnson, vice president and director of education and compliance at Medical Billing Advocates of America in Salem, Va., said there are duplicate charges "in almost every [inpatient] bill."

She's also seeing more errors in outpatient bills.

"It's increasing 1,000-fold," Ms. Johnson said.

Billing advocates typically charge a percentage – ranging from 25 percent to 50 percent – of the savings they get for you.

Some charge by the hour or a combination of hourly and percentage rates. It depends on the time required to work on your case.

When you hire a billing advocate, you typically will sign release forms authorizing your health care provider, insurance company and other relevant parties to discuss your case with the advocate.

Before hiring an advocate, ask about his or her background. The person should have experience in medical billing, health insurance or health care administration.

Make sure you feel comfortable with the advocate before hiring. Ask about the advocate's experience and the largest amount saved for a client on a medical bill.

To find a medical billing advocate, visit www.billadvocates.com or call 540-387-5870.