When the bills begin to arrive, you can match your journal entries to an itemized statement to check for accuracy. If you are unable to document the care you received, have a friend or family member help you. Take notes on any tests you receive and when they were performed. Also write down the doctors or nurses involved in the examination. Even if you are released after emergency treatment, be sure to write down as much as you can about the care you received.
Little things add up.
For planned hospital stays, remember to take your own personal toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, comb or brush, shaving supplies, lotion, prescribed medications and protective containers for eyeglasses, contact and dentures. Personal, everyday items such as these can be expensive if supplied by the hospital. If the hospital supplies you with an item that you know you won't be using, give it back. Be sure to tell the nurse or doctor that you are not using it and that you do not expect to be charged for the item. If you have equipment in your room that you are no longer using, such as an oxygen machine, ask a staff person to take it out.