BILLFIGHT FIELD GUIDE

Surprise ambulance bill?

The type of ambulance matters.

The federal No Surprises Act has different rules for ground and air ambulances. Most ground ambulance bills generally are not covered by the federal surprise-billing protections, although state laws or other programs may provide additional protections. Air ambulances have federal protections in many insured situations.

What to gather

1. Identify whether the service was ground or air transport and which organization issued the bill.
2. Request an itemized statement and compare it with the insurer's Explanation of Benefits, if applicable.
3. Ask the billing company and insurer about network status, coding, appeals, payment plans and any applicable state protections.

Do not assume a bill is invalid because a transfer occurred between in-network facilities. Details of the service, coverage and state matter.

CMS: patient billing rights and exceptions

General patient information, not legal advice. Sources: CMS medical-bill rights and CMS guide to reading medical bills.