I had really bad nausea and pain, went to my doctor, who said I likely had a kidney stone, and the next step was to get an MRI. I was between jobs with no insurance and few funds, so I asked what it cost. The doctor had someone in his office call the hospital and got a quote for $1,500. I got the MRI knowing only that.
A month later I got a bill for $3,500. I drove out to the hospital (2 hours) to ask wtf. They didn't help at all, wouldn't budge.
So I went home and wrote them a check for $1,500, marked as paid in full, with a cover letter explaining my side of it. It worked. They cashed the check and I never heard another word. I've done further business there with no problem. It's well worth pushing back.
A month later I got a bill for $3,500. I drove out to the hospital (2 hours) to ask wtf. They didn't help at all, wouldn't budge.
So I went home and wrote them a check for $1,500, marked as paid in full, with a cover letter explaining my side of it. It worked. They cashed the check and I never heard another word. I've done further business there with no problem. It's well worth pushing back.