Richmond experts advise negotiating medical bills before procedures

Medical debt is increasing among older adults, with about one in eight people ages 50 to 64 carrying medical debt in 2023, according to AARP, as reported by NBC12. Aging experts in the Richmond area emphasize the importance of obtaining cost information before medical procedures to avoid unexpectedly high bills.

Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert featured on NBC12, shared how receiving an invoice ahead of a scheduled procedure empowered her to choose a less costly outpatient center instead of a hospital, significantly reducing her bill. She advises patients to request financial details before procedures and to have someone accompany them when reviewing or signing paperwork to avoid making decisions while unprepared.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician cited by NBC12, explained that patients lose bargaining power when they receive bills after procedures rather than beforehand. She encourages patients to ask for itemized statements in advance and to discuss payment plans or financial hardships with billing staff if insurance coverage is limited.

Gerontologist Sam Cradduck also highlighted that many hospitals and doctors’ offices offer financial assistance programs to help patients manage large out-of-pocket costs. These local experts recommend negotiating medical bills and proactively communicating with healthcare providers to manage mounting medical expenses effectively.