ABC Action News I-Team Reporter Adam Walser joined The Ryan Gorman Show to discuss his eye-opening investigation into the frequent denial of legitimate medical claims. This investigation is part of the series "Patient No More," which aims to shed light on critical issues within the healthcare system.
Walser revealed a startling statistic: 1 out of 5 medical claims are denied. He highlighted the troubling practices that lead to these denials and their profound impact on patients' health and finances. Many patients are left without essential medical treatments and burdened with unexpected costs due to these denials.
During the discussion, Walser also explained the concept of a chargemaster rate. This is a comprehensive listing of items billable to a hospital patient or their insurance provider, often containing highly inflated prices. These rates serve as the starting point for negotiations with insurers and can significantly affect the cost of medical care.
Walser provided valuable insights on how best to navigate the healthcare and insurance system when claims are denied, offering practical advice for patients facing these challenges.