What should I do if my medical bill looks wrong?

If a medical bill looks wrong, speak up. The National Cancer Institute states plainly that it is your right to question your bill with the doctor or the insurance company.

A good first step is to match the bill to the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company. The EOB lists the services you received and how much your plan paid. If the bill and the EOB do not match, ask about the difference.

It can help to keep a record of your conversations — who you spoke with, the date, and what they told you. If making the calls feels like too much, a hospital social worker, the billing office, or a trusted friend or family member can help. There are also medical billing advocates who help with bills and insurance for a fee, and who may save you money in the long run.