Tip: Always Request an Itemized Hospital Bill

Hospital billing errors are common, consequential, and correctable. The single most actionable step you can take after any hospital visit is to request an itemized bill and review it before paying anything.

An itemized bill lists every service, supply, medication, and procedure with individual charges. This is different from the summary bill you typically receive first, which shows totals and category amounts. The itemized version shows you exactly what you are being charged for.

Common errors include duplicate charges for the same service, charges for services that were ordered but never performed, incorrect billing codes that affect what your insurance pays, and charges for items like medications that should have been covered under a package rate. These errors are not rare. Studies have found billing errors in a substantial percentage of hospital bills reviewed.

Request the itemized bill in writing within 30 days of your discharge. You have the right to receive it. Once you have it, compare it to your Explanation of Benefits from your insurer. Any discrepancy between what the hospital charged and what your insurer shows as the claim is worth investigating.

If you find errors, contact the hospital billing department in writing, describe each error specifically, and request correction. If the bill is large and complex, medical billing advocates can review it on a contingency basis.