Know the cost before the surgery date
A planned procedure is the one time you can ask first. This free guide covers the network, authorization, and estimate questions to put in writing before the date, and how to check the bills that follow.
What is inside
Who bills for one procedure: surgeon, facility, anesthesia, pathology, and the providers you never chose.
The five questions to ask before the date, in writing, with a record-of-asking table.
The good faith estimate: the written cost estimate self-pay patients are entitled to before scheduled care.
The four danger points, including the out-of-network provider you never picked and the authorization that was never filed.
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Who is behind this guide
A person reads every line, not software.
One flat fee, never by the hour.
Plain language, answers within 48 hours.
Checked against the hospital's own published prices.
When you want it done for you
The guide gets your answers in writing
Network status, authorization numbers, what is included: every answer you collect before the date is a bill you can check after it.
The bills still take the checking
Four or more billers, each against its EOB or the estimate, each line against what actually happened. The comparison work is where the hours go.
One package for the whole procedure
Every bill the procedure produced, read line by line by a person, checked against your written answers and the hospital's own published prices where available, answered in writing within 48 hours.
More free guides
Itemized Bill Requests, From Anyone
The request that makes any surgical bill explain itself.
The ER Bill Map
The same tracker discipline for unplanned care.
Medical Bills and Your Credit
If an old bill from earlier care is hanging over the new one.
This guide is general guidance and information only, not advice about your situation. Patient Stand prepares documents you review, sign, and send yourself.