Cable News Clips

Analysis: In Medical Billing, Fraudulent Charges Weirdly Pass As Legal

Much of what we accept as legal in medical billing would be regarded as fraud in any other sector.

I have been circling around this conclusion for the past five years, as I’ve listened to patients’ stories while covering health care as a journalist and author. Now, after a summer of firsthand experience — my husband was in a bike crash in July — it’s time to call out this fact head-on. Many of the Democratic candidates are talking about practical fixes for our high-priced health care system, and some legislated or regulated solutions to the maddening world of medical billing would be welcome.

My husband, Andrej, flew over his bicycle’s handlebars when he hit a pothole at high speed on a Sunday ride in Washington. He was unconscious and lying on the pavement when I caught up with him minutes later. The result: six broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken finger, a broken collarbone and a broken shoulder blade.

The treatment he got via paramedics and in the emergency room and intensive care unit were great. The troubles began, as I knew they would, when the bills started arriving.

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/analysis-in-medical-billing-fraudulent-charges-weirdly-pass-as-legal/

Putting a 600 dollar bandaid on a credit report says more about the lack of credibility the credit reporting agency has than it does the person with the bill's ability to pay.

https://www.vox.com/2016/5/13/11606760/emergency-facility-fees-american-health-care

Medical bills are too fraudulent to be a part of credit reports.