Have you ever seen an Explanation of Benefits? You should have, especially if you visit your doctor often and have medical insurance. If you are not familiar with this piece of paper, then let me describe it to you. It first has the original amount charged by the doctor, then its negotiated amount as bargained by the insurance company. The difference between these two amounts will make you grateful that you do have medical insurance. But how about those who cannot afford to pay for medical insurance? They have the daunting task of bargaining with the doctor who treated you, on the fees you need to pay.  Here are some things to remember when you speak with your doctor and start negotiating your medical bills:

• Don’t be scared to ask

There is no law that says that you cannot ask your doctor to lower down his fees. Ask nicely and negotiate properly on how much you can give on doctor’s fees.

• It is just business

Doctors need patients in order to survive. Patients need doctors in order to live. Without each other, there will be no business. So, to maintain business, each must be able to negotiate on terms beneficial to both.

• It is their profession

Doctors charge a fee to be able to pay for their practice and other expenses that crop up in their profession. But it does not mean that they will turn away someone who needs their help because of financial constraints.

• They are also human

Do not hesitate to explain your financial situation with your doctor or hospital. Chances are that they give you a big discount on their rates and let you benefit from it instead of just giving it to insurance companies.

• Insurance companies can be much of a hassle

It is quite easy for insurance companies to increase premium and collect. However, when it comes to dishing out claims and benefits, it takes quite a long time, with a long list of things to do before being able to get it. With this in mind, hospitals and doctors are willing to give you a bigger discount just to get out of all those hassles. At least, you will be giving cash for it.

• Start off with Medicare rates

Do your research on the cost of the procedure you need to have done and let this be your starting bid as you negotiate lowering the fees of your medical procedure.

• Be honest enough in discussing your finances

Ask your doctor on how much the procedure will cost and tell them honestly if you can afford it or not. They will understand your situation.

• Cash is the best payment option

Most negotiated doctor’s fees require payment in cash.

• Think of a payment plan

If the procedure needs a bigger amount of money than what you expect, it would be better to discuss a payment plan or either monthly, quarterly, or annual payments on the services rendered.

• Verify the need of the procedure or test

Do you really need this test to recover? If not, then you may be cutting down costs as well.

• Maximize the slow season

If the fees charged for a certain procedure vary depending on season, then set up an appointment during when the fees are at its lowest. Or, you can also take the place of those who cancelled at the last minute.

Lastly, the treatment procedure that you may need to undergo varies in the type of place needed for it. Oftentimes, you don’t need to use the emergency room for minor ailments. To cut costs, consider going to visit the doctor instead of letting him go to you. For more help, contact your local Texas credit attorney or credit counselor for a detailed explanation of benefits.