Let me explain?

And here is the the secret on how a hospital makes money.


Each procedure/operation is coded by the ICD-10 tables.

Each hospital 'makes up' a list as to what is done - the equipment, materials and staff used.

This is an 'average list'. So....if you go in for a tonsillectomy, they base billing on what an average patient needs to be treated and care for.

They submit that bill to the insurance or government and they pay based on whatever is on that bill. You probably will not get any idea of exactly what it costs because the procedure hasn't been done yet.

You will only see an itemized bill AFTER you get out. They often submit that standard "billing list" and do not go thru it and take off the charges that you do not incur or services you use.

1. you can call the billing/insurance offices. If they do not give you the info..


2. Get your itemized bill and get copies of your medical records. You will find you meds in the medication records. And your materials on the nurse's notes.
Doctor's orders will list what the doc asks for you for your treatment.

You can ask to review your records in person, or you can have copies made.

It's been a while since I worked in a file room, but the hosp may charge you per page copied, so see if you can review, then ask to have only what you need copied.


You state may have different rules (HIPPA) as to accessing your records, so check before you do it!

Hope this helps.