Guide for Consumers: Avoiding Surprises in Your Medical Bills

The American Hospital Association partnered with the Healthcare Financial Management Association and America’s Health Insurance Plans on a new consumer guide to help patients understand the questions they can ask to help avoid paying more than expected for healthcare services. This guide will help everyone understand the questions you should ask to avoid receiving an unexpected medical bill. Many of the suggestions in the guide are designed for situations when you can schedule care in advance. The guide, Avoiding Surprises in Your Medical Bills, will also help you understand what you can do to lessen the chances of an unexpected balance bill in an emergency. AHA recommends providing copies of the guide to your schedulers and financial assistance counselors, and encourage them to share it with patients as they prepare for their care. English and Spanish versions of the guide are online here.