A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum reveals that patients who challenge unexpected medical bills often receive some form of financial relief. The study, which surveyed 1,135 U.S. adults between August and October 2023, highlights the importance of questioning medical bills, particularly when they are unexpected or unaffordable.

According to the survey, about one in five people reported receiving a medical bill they either disagreed with or could not afford to pay. Of those, nearly 62% contacted a billing office to address their concerns. Encouragingly, most who reached out reported that they received payment assistance or had their bill corrected.

“Many people are hesitant to pick up the phone to question the accuracy of a problematic medical bill or explore financial options, but our findings indicate it’s worthwhile and typically takes less than one hour,” said Erin Duffy, lead investigator and director of research training at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, in a news release.

The study found that 74% of those who contacted a billing office regarding an error had the mistake corrected, while 76% obtained some form of financial relief for an unaffordable bill. Additionally, 62% were able to negotiate a lower price. The majority of these interactions occurred over the phone, with most respondents noting that the process took less than an hour and that they were treated respectfully.

Interestingly, the study revealed that the type of health insurance, education level, or income did not significantly influence the likelihood of receiving a problematic bill. However, those less likely to challenge a bill included individuals without a college degree, those with lower financial literacy, or those lacking health insurance. This suggests that people who are already at risk for medical debt are less likely to contest bills that could further strain their finances.

Of those who chose not to contact a billing office about a problematic bill, 86% believed that doing so would not make a difference. Researchers suggest that providing more detailed written information about charges and payment options might encourage more patients to question their bills.

Erin Trish, co-director of the USC Schaeffer Center and a researcher on the study, emphasized the need for simpler billing processes and greater transparency. “Current healthcare billing practices generally require patients to practice a lot of self-advocacy, and those who cannot self-advocate well are missing opportunities for financial relief,” Trish said in the news release. “Simpler billing processes and more transparency about financial options could make the system work better for patients.”

This study underscores the importance of advocating for oneself when faced with unexpected medical bills, as doing so often leads to financial relief and corrections.