Codes and billing chaos

I just have to vent my frustrations at the billing aspect of illness. I was writing a check to an ambulance company when I started wondering why my insurance company (which is very good) did not pay this bill. After several phone calls to both my insurance and the ambulance company it turns out that the ambulance company billed using three vague codes and so they must resubmit an itemized bill to my insurance company. Theoretically, we shouldn't have to pay a dime of this rather large bill if everything is submitted correctly. This is where my frustration begins, I shouldn't have to go over every claim with a fine tooth comb to make sure things are billed correctly. It really angers me that in the meantime, the answer is to bill the patient and if the patient pays, no one corrects these errors. Anyone care to guess what cancer costs these days? Lets just say it's a major expense and so I'm VERY VERY thankful for our insurance! Thankfully I'm not the shy, submissive patient, I question anything that doesn't make sense to me. But what about the shy, submissive patient, they probably pay way more than they ever should because of others careless errors. That makes me angry! I have enough to worry about in simply trying to get better, I shouldn't have to be my own accountant too! I've heard so many patients say that they need a secretary to keep all the paperwork straight and to pay the bills on time because that area carries its own stressor into the equation. I now have a much greater understanding of what they are talking about. Usually stubbornness is not a character trait we strive for but sometimes it can be a good thing. Today it may have payed off! :)