How do I dispute a medical bill?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Start with an itemized bill - every charge line-by-line with codes - because summary bills hide common errors: duplicates, wrong quantities, services never delivered, wrong insurance billed. Then match the bill to your insurer's EOB (a mismatch is a phone call, not a payment), call the billing office with specific line numbers and ask for correction or self-pay repricing, and if it stands, use your formal rights: internal appeal with the insurer (typically up to 180 days, then external review), and the No Surprises Act for surprise out-of-network bills at in-network facilities - CMS explains the protections and complaint line. In parallel, ask about charity care and payment plans. Do not pay the questioned part mid-dispute. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you draft the calls.
What to do
- Demand the itemized bill first: errors hide in summaries.
- Bill vs EOB mismatch? Call, do not pay: the EOB is the reference.
- Use the formal levers: 180-day appeal rights, No Surprises Act complaints.
- Ask for charity care in parallel: nonprofit hospitals must offer it.
Related questions
- How do I get an itemized medical bill?
- What is hospital charity care?
- What is the No Surprises Act?
- How to appeal an insurance denial?