re: What in the hell is wrong with medical billing?

It's been my experience the issue is with the Hospital Clerical Staff not properly "coding" claims.

Had a procedure to have 1 of my Thyroids removed and was told by the Hospital I have a $200 deductible thru BCBS. I paid and 2-3 weeks later received a check from BCBS for the $200. Called BCBS to verify and was told Hospital used the wrong "code" on the filing and should not have been charged the $200.

90 days later had to have the other Thyroid removed and again was told I owed $200. Told the hospital clerk about the previous experience and what BCBS told me and she assured me they are coding correctly and that I had to pay the $200. I paid the $200 and sure enough I received my refund 2-3 weeks for that procedure.