We negotiate in various aspects of our lives. Think about it. We negotiate for a better rate on a home, or to lower the price of a car, or even for a bargain in the deli, but did you ever realize that you can negotiate with a doctor's office or hospital? Negotiating with physicians or the Billing department at a hospital is an option that could result in lower medical bills. With attempting to negotiate, there is a chance of avoiding filing for bankruptcy or even destroying your credit which could occur if putting your medical bills on your credit cards occur.



Medical Debt Negotiation: What You Can Do:

First, Do Your Research

The US Government passed a bill called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act which prohibits certain methods of debt collection and to eliminate any abusive treatments that may occur on behalf of collection agencies. Once you know that you have a right, as a consumer, review your medical bills. Ensure that each item on your bill is accurate and no double billing has ensued. There are times where a hospital may charge twice for the same procedure or test, so requesting an itemized bill from the Billing department will allow you to review the bill prior to paying for their services. This is especially important with Medicaid. With private insurance, it is good practice on your part, to have an understanding what physicians, hospitals, and procedures are covered under your plan. This is your responsibility. There are times when going to a specific doctor or hospital, or even undergoing a certain test is not controlled and is vital for your health, but if you have a choice, make sure you are going to be covered. If items are outside your specific plan, there is a good chance you will be responsible for that payment, which could add up to hundreds and thousands of dollars.

Secondly, Negotiate The Correct Way

Some people have a general talent at negotiating. Wonderful. Others, however, have a tendency to let their emotions get the better of them. Yelling at anyone who has authority in this situation, will generally not result in a way that you are hoping. Make sure your approach is gentle yet thorough. Be firm yet understanding with whomever you are speaking. Explain that you are clearly unable to pay for your bills if you have a valid reason. If they are agreeable to lowering or eliminating your medical bills, they may ask you to prove to them, for example by pay stubs, that you are simply unable to afford the bills. Just remember that negotiating is one way that bills can be lowered, but remain calm and composed and you may have a better result than yelling and being belligerent.

Third, Know What Is Required During the Negotiation Process

Basically, you need to need to be imperative and respond to the doctors or hospitals once you receive your bill. When you speak to anyone from the organizations that you owe money to, for example hospitals and doctors, make sure you record their information. Write down their name and specific demographics. Document the actions you took, when they occurred, and the end result. There are currently 35 States that allow you to record this call with your state. Finally, try to avoid negotiating over the phone, but if you must, ensure they will send you a letter via mail or email. If you can, try to negotiate in person. This way you can have an immediate answer and response.

Fourth, Understanding The Goal of Negotiation

Striving to have as many penalties or medical fees related to your bill reduced or removed is one of the first goals of negotiating with the organization. Next, try and attempt to receive a payment plan, in which you will be able to pay your bill over a period of time with payments that may be more suitable for your budget. If you are able to achieve a payment plan, you will need to send a letter to your creditor to keep them abreast of your current situation. When you are speaking with someone regarding negotiating a lower rate or payment, see if more offers can be made. Abiding by the first offer may not be the best, so having an understanding of the process and what you may be entitled to is going to be the best for you overall. Finally, speak to them about the possibility of filing for bankruptcy. Even if this is not going to happen, threatening a company with this concept perhaps may scare them. If you file for bankruptcy, they will not get paid.