Medical Billing & Coding Explained: How to Lower Your Hospital Bills in 2025
1) Why Billing & Coding Matter
Every hospital visit generates billing codes (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS). These codes determine charges and insurance reimbursements. Errors can inflate bills by 20–30%.
2) Common Errors
- Duplicate charges for the same service.
- Incorrect coding leading to inflated costs.
- Charges for services never provided.
3) Example Breakdown
| Service | Typical Code | Average Charge |
|---|---|---|
| X-Ray Chest | 71045 | $200 |
| IV Infusion | 96360 | $350 |
| Blood Test Panel | 80050 | $500 |
4) How to Lower Bills
- Request itemized bills and audit them.
- Use coding resources to verify charges.
- Negotiate directly with billing department.
- Ask about financial assistance programs.
5) Conclusion
Patients who understand billing codes can spot errors, negotiate fairer bills, and save thousands in 2025.
Labels: Health