5 Reasons Your MRI or a CT scan was denied

A big bill is the last thing you want if you are recovering from being sick. From missing work to the physical stresses of being sick, there are lots of reasons tensions can run high when you or a loved one is ill. When you add medical bills to the mix, being sick can be an expense on top of being a hassle.

There are many reasons your insurance may deny your claim, and some of them can be discussed and solved. If your claim has been denied, do not panic. Make sure to look over the EOB, and here are some things you might see.  

1. Pre-authorization or referrals. Some procedures, like CT scans and MRIs, require precious referrals and authorization beforehand. If your doctor ordered the tests before requesting them, you may receive an unwanted bill in the aftermath. Try speaking to your doctor, and ask them to contact your insurance provider to discuss matters further.
2. Billing problems. Make sure to double-check your paperwork after a procedure.  In case you are covered under two policies, like both your insurance and your spouse’s, the billing can get mixed up and send to the wrong provider.
3. Non-covered charges. This sounds scary, but it’s important to remember what is covered and what isn’t. Some insurance policies do not cover certain procedures, so be sure to check your plan. If you decide you have needs outside of your policy, it may be a good idea to switch plans in the future.
4. Filing problems. Make your list and check it twice! Be sure your information is up-to-date and accurate, and be sure to fix problems as soon as they arise by calling your insurance’s customer service. Even minor transcription issues can cause issues for you in the future, so don’t make the mistake of leaving things for later.
5. Out-of-Network. It may sound complicated, but some healthcare providers are not in your network. This can cause the bill to go to you instead of your insurance. If the procedure is non-emergency or for elective reasons, the costs (or a bigger part of them) may go to you in the end.

If you’ve been denied frequently, it may be time to start considering paying out pocket for your scans. They can be very expensive, but also necessary for proper medical care. While it is not insurance, you can save on CT and MRI scans by joining the 2BenefitU group. Save 25%-75% on scans by participating providers, and start saving yourself time, hassle, and money.