Medical Billing Errors: Protect Your Wallet with Patient Billing Protection

Avoid costly medical billing mistakes with support from Realm Health Advocates

Medical billing errors affect millions of members every year, often leading to unnecessary stress, denied claims, and surprise medical bills. In fact, industry studies estimate that up to 80% of medical bills contain errors.

From duplicate charges and incorrect billing codes to out-of-network mistakes, these issues can quickly add up — but you don’t have to handle them alone. Realm Health is here to help protect you every step of the way.

Need help now? Call Member Services.

Call Realm Health First — Before and After Care
Whether you’re scheduling an upcoming medical appointment or reviewing a bill that doesn’t look right, reaching out early can save you time, money, and frustration.

Our Realm Health advocates can help you:

• Provide price transparency before care
• Confirm whether a doctor, lab, or facility is in-network
• Identify and challenge incorrect charges
• Prevent claim denials and unexpected balances

Calling before or immediately after care helps protect you from hidden costs and surprise bills. Even if you think your bill looks correct, it’s worth letting us double-check it.


Common Medical Billing Errors to Watch For
Medical billing mistakes aren’t always obvious. Some of the most common issues that cause members to overpay include:

• Duplicate charges for the same service
• Out-of-network billing at an in-network location
• Incorrect coding that leads to claim denials
• Missing or incorrect patient information
• Charges for services never received (“phantom charges”)
• Upcoding — being billed for a more expensive service than what was provided

Even small errors can result in significant out-of-pocket costs — and many patients never realize they’re being overcharged.


Facility Fees: A Hidden Cost Many Members Miss
One of the fastest-growing sources of billing surprises comes from facility fees.

Here’s how it often happens:

• A hospital acquires a local doctor’s office or clinic
• The location is reclassified as a hospital outpatient facility
• Additional facility fees are added to your bill
• Costs increase — without any added benefit to you

These fees aren’t always fully covered and can appear unexpectedly. Before visiting a new doctor, lab, or imaging center, call Realm Health. We’ll help you check pricing and avoid unnecessary charges.

Medical Billing Protection Checklist
Before Your Appointment

• Confirm the provider and location are in-network
• Ask whether facility fees apply
• Request cost estimates for planned services

After Your Appointment

• Review your bill line-by-line
• Watch for duplicate or unfamiliar charges
• Contact Member Services immediately if anything looks off

Realm Health Advocates specialize in identifying billing errors and working to resolve them quickly.


Take Action: Let Realm Health Protect You
Healthcare billing shouldn’t feel like a battle.
We advocate on your behalf so you never pay more than you should.

With Realm Health, you get:

• Price transparency before care
• Help understanding complex medical bills
• Support reversing billing errors and potential fraud
• Dedicated advocates working directly for you

Call Member Services today to get support.
Protect your wallet — and your peace of mind.