Ask:
Audit your Hospital and dr bills. Always request a itemized bill and study it carefully for services or supplies that weren't given or received. If you find a mistake, call your insurer. Some companies offer rewards to people who spot errors on hospital bills.
Don't check into the hospital on a Friday. Some services shut down for the weekend and you will just be paying to wait for the services. Also, find out what time of the day billing starts. If it starts at noon, do not check in at 11am. You will be billed for the entire previous day!
If at all possible, use an urgent care instead of the Emergency Room.
Get a second opinion, out of town! If you are planning on having surgery, get a second opininon from an out of town dr. Certain surgeries are more common in some towns than other. Or, if possible, find out what the surgery rates are in different cities in your region.
If you seek a second opinion, ask your doctor to send copies of your medical records, x-rays, and lab tests to the second opionion dr. You will not get stuck with a bill for duplicate tests and you will get your second opinion much quicker.
Taken from the book, Cut Your Bills In Half
Answer:
Other ideas: ask your doctor for samples of a medication. Ask the hospital if you can bring your own medication from home.
Helpful tip: Try not to be admitted to a teaching hospital in August (med students become first year residents and some are still green) If you have to then try and get an experienced nurse. Most new residents are great, but some look shell shocked and need a nurse to lead them alittle.