Medical Billing

Not sure if this is the appropriate place to ask, but I have a friend who had to have back surgery after suffering a seizure two years ago. (He broke vertebrae and needed spinal fusion).

He was unable to walk because of the damage and a surgeon came in to discuss what needed to be done. When asked if they were part of the insurance plan, they responded no. After making it clear that they would not be able to afford the out-of-pocket bill, the surgeon said that in these cases, we do accept what insurance provides. It was unknown that the other surgeons he had brought in on the operation were also out of networks (this was not learned until after the operation).

Now insurance was billed and insurance gave what they permitted for the procedures. All of a sudden, two years later, an astronomical bill of 300K came in the mail claiming that it was still owed.

Anyone else ever been in this situation? Besides calling insurance and billing, what else can they do?

Medical Billing

did the hospital get paid? The hospital has some kind of charity care plan if the patient can provide financial information the bills might be reduced.

Medical Billing

Without something in writing really nothing unfortunately he can do. Except a payment plan but that's pretty crappy of the dr.maybe contact him directly.