To get an itemized hospital bill, call the billing number on your statement and ask for a detailed list of every charge, with dates, billing codes, and amounts, plus what insurance paid. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) both recommend asking for this detailed bill when you check for errors. Ask for it before you pay, and put the request in writing if the phone call doesn't get results.
What is an itemized hospital bill?
The first statement most hospitals send is a summary. It may show a few lines like "pharmacy," "laboratory," or "room and board," a total, what insurance paid, and what you owe.
An itemized bill lists each charge separately. A useful one shows:
- The date of each service.
- A description of each item or service.
- The billing code, such as a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), or revenue code.
- The quantity, like the number of tablets or tests.
- The charge for each line.
- Payments and adjustments from Medicare, your plan, or other insurance.
The CFPB suggests asking for an itemized list of charges if something on a bill doesn't look right.
Why should I ask for an itemized bill?
You can't check a bill you can't see. CMS's "Check your medical bill for errors" guide lists asking the provider's billing department for a detailed bill as its first step. CMS and the CFPB suggest checking for problems like:
- Charges for a service you never received.
- Being charged twice for the same service.
- Charges for a more expensive service than the one you got.
- Bills that you or your insurance already paid.
- Charges that don't match the services you received.
If you have Medicare, the itemized bill also lets you match each charge to your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Medicare Advantage Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
What should I say when I call the hospital billing office?
Have the statement, your Medicare card, and a pen ready. Call the number printed on the bill. Here's a word-for-word script:
"Hi, my name is [name]. I'm calling about a bill for [patient name], date of birth [date], account number [number], for a stay from [date] to [date].
I'd like a fully itemized bill for this account. Please include the date of each service, the description, the billing code, the quantity, and the charge for each line, plus all insurance payments and adjustments.
Can you mail it to the address on file, or send it through the patient portal? About how long will it take?
While I review it, can you put a hold on this account so it doesn't go to collections? Can you note on the account that I've requested an itemized bill today?"
Before you hang up, write down:
- The date and time of the call.
- The name of the person you spoke with.
- Any reference number.
- When they said you'd get the bill.
If they say the summary is all they have, ask: "Can you transfer me to someone who can send a line-item detail of charges?"
Can I ask for an itemized bill in writing?
Yes, and it's a good idea if the call doesn't work or if you want a paper trail. Keep it short:
[Your name] [Address] [Date]
[Hospital name] Patient Billing Department [Address from the statement]
Re: Request for itemized bill. Patient: [name]. Account number: [number]. Dates of service: [dates].
Please send me a fully itemized bill for the account above. Please include the date, description, billing code, quantity, and charge for each item or service, and all payments and adjustments from Medicare or other insurance.
Please place this account on hold while I review the charges.
Thank you, [Signature]
Keep a copy, and send it in a way that shows when it arrived.