In my case it wasn’t a clerical error, it was outright, naked fraud. I went to the ER. During the 4 hours I waited in an empty ER to be seen, my symptoms resolved. I was just about to leave when they called me in. In response to the doctor asking what I needed, I said nothing, I’m feeling better. That was the extent of the conversation, after which I left.
Imagine my surprise at getting a bill for $750. I requested and received the medical record, which described an examination, one that would have required several minutes and at least one instrument, that never took place.
This was no error. It was attempted fraud — they thought my insurance would cover it (it didn’t — I’m on a high deductible plan) and that nobody would question it. When I asked the ER director how an examination that never took place got in my record, he quickly said “the bill is canceled” and hung up.
Great information as always! We always ask for itemized bills and compare the EOBs and bills before paying thanks to your advice.
Very smart moves. It is easy to overlook those things, but it is so important not to.
In my case it wasn’t a clerical error, it was outright, naked fraud. I went to the ER. During the 4 hours I waited in an empty ER to be seen, my symptoms resolved. I was just about to leave when they called me in. In response to the doctor asking what I needed, I said nothing, I’m feeling better. That was the extent of the conversation, after which I left.
Imagine my surprise at getting a bill for $750. I requested and received the medical record, which described an examination, one that would have required several minutes and at least one instrument, that never took place.
This was no error. It was attempted fraud — they thought my insurance would cover it (it didn’t — I’m on a high deductible plan) and that nobody would question it. When I asked the ER director how an examination that never took place got in my record, he quickly said “the bill is canceled” and hung up.
Oh, wow. Good for you for taking care of that. That's so bad.