After receiving a major diagnosis, most patients expect the hardest part to be the treatment itself. But what follows—an avalanche of medical bills, insurance statements, and provider invoices—can be just as exhausting as recovery.
When you’re trying to heal, sorting through paperwork shouldn’t be another challenge — yet it often is.
Why You Get So Many Bills
During treatment, you may see many different providers — doctors, surgeons, labs, and therapists. Each one sends its own bill, often at different times.
You might receive:
A hospital bill for the room, nursing care, and equipment
A surgeon’s bill for their time and skill
Anesthesia, radiology, or therapy bills
Consulting specialist bills
Even though all these services relate to one hospital stay, each provider uses its own billing system. That’s why medical bills rarely look alike.
How Insurance Adds to the Confusion
Even if you have good insurance, billing can still get messy. Some providers may not be in your network, which can raise your costs.
Other times, your insurance company may delay or deny payment — sending the bill back to you.
✅ Tip: Always check that every provider is in-network and that claims have been processed before paying anything yourself.
My Story: What I Learned From My Own Major Surgery
When I had an AVM resection at age 24, I was on an HMO plan. Every test and visit needed pre-approval, and bills piled up fast.
I spent hours each week calling my insurance company, tracking claims, and fixing coding errors. That experience opened my eyes to how confusing medical billing is — and why patients need advocates who understand the system.
It’s what led me to my work in healthcare administration and patient advocacy today.
Understanding Medical Billing Codes
Every charge on your bill comes from a medical code. These codes tell the insurance company what care you received.
If one code is entered wrong, your claim might be denied, or you could be billed for something you don’t owe.
That’s why it’s so important to review your bills carefully.
Common Billing Problems to Watch For
Here are the most common mistakes patients find on their bills:
Duplicate bills – two charges for the same visit
Out-of-network providers – even in in-network hospitals
Balance billing – being charged the difference between what insurance paid and what the provider billed (not always allowed)
Timing issues – getting a bill before insurance finishes processing
Coding errors – one wrong number can cause a denial
How to Stay Organized
You can take control of your medical bills with a little structure:
Create a folder or binder for all bills and insurance letters.
Match every bill to your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
Keep a call log – write down who you spoke with, when, and what was said.
Ask for itemized bills if charges are unclear.
Track everything in a notebook or spreadsheet.
Don’t ignore statements – some are just updates, not final bills.
Call insurance directly if payments are delayed.
Insurance and Billing Services – The Elder Care Advocate
Quick FAQs About Medical Billing
What if I get a bill before insurance pays?
Wait before paying. Call the provider’s billing office to confirm that the claim went to insurance.
What’s the difference between an EOB and a bill?
An EOB comes from your insurance company. It shows what was billed and what was paid.
A bill comes from your provider and is an actual request for payment.
Can I ask for financial help from the hospital?
Yes. Many hospitals offer financial assistance or charity care programs. Ask if you qualify.
How can I appeal a denied claim?
Submit an appeal to your insurance company with supporting documents, such as medical notes or a doctor’s letter. Keep detailed notes of every step.
You Don’t Have to Handle It Alone
Medical billing is complicated — but you don’t have to face it by yourself. With good organization, persistence, and guidance, you can make sure your bills are correct and your insurance pays fairly.
At The Elder Care Advocate, we help seniors and families untangle medical bills, insurance disputes, and care coordination.
If you’re overwhelmed by paperwork, we can help you find clarity — so you can focus on what matters most: healing and quality of life.
Contact The Elder Care Advocate
