How to Choose the Best Company for Medical Bill Negotiation
Choosing the best company to negotiate your medical bills involves careful consideration of several factors. Here’s a guide to help you select a reputable and effective service:
1. Research and Reputation
Start by researching potential companies:
- Check online reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to assess their reputation.
- Look for testimonials from previous clients on their websites.
2. Experience in Medical Billing
Ensure they have extensive experience in handling medical bills:
- A deep understanding of billing systems, insurance processes, and healthcare provider relationships is crucial.
- Companies like Emry Health highlight years of experience working with top insurance carriers and employers.
3. Success Rate and Savings Potential
Evaluate their success rate in reducing medical bills:
- Look for companies that report significant savings; Emry Health mentions average savings between 30% to 50%.
- Consider how they measure success—whether it’s based on total reduction or client satisfaction.
4. Fee Structure
Understand how they charge for services:
- Most companies work on a contingency basis, charging a percentage of the savings achieved (typically between 20% and 40%).
- Ensure all terms are transparently communicated before engaging their services.
5. Scope of Services Offered
Consider what additional resources they provide beyond negotiation:
- Some services offer full-service guidance including bill review, financial assistance program eligibility checks, and access to lower-cost care options3.
Read: Do medical bill negotiators work on a contingency basis?
Additional Tips
Free Consultations: Many companies offer free initial consultations; take advantage of these opportunities before committing financially.
Self-Negotiation Options: If hiring professionals isn’t feasible, consider self-negotiation techniques such as reviewing bills carefully for errors and discussing discounts directly with providers yourself.
By carefully evaluating these factors—reputation, experience, success rate—you can choose a reliable company that effectively negotiates your medical bills while ensuring fair treatment from healthcare providers.
Examples of Reputable Companies:
- Portiva: Offers comprehensive review and negotiation services with expertise in navigating complex billing systems.
- Emry Health: Known for high success rates in reducing out-of-network bills through advanced technology solutions.
- Medical Cost Advocate (MCA): Specializes in achieving significant savings through detailed bill analysis since 2002
Read: What qualifications should a medical bill negotiator have?