I received a billing from PAML for lab work conducted for a routine physical. It indicated no problems but requested that I pay a balance that seemed unusual as most of the lab work was common for an annual physical exam.

I contacted PAML and learned that my insurer (Blue Cross of Idaho) had denied payment for two tests. I contacted the insurer who advised me that PAML had used the wrong billing codes for these two tests and said they should resubmit a corrected bill. I recontacted PAML who informed me that they did not define billing codes. Billing codes originated from my provider (Kootenai Family Medicine). I contacted my doctor’s office and they have resubmitted their codes to PAML who will then rebill Blue Cross who will hopefully pay.

Beware. These systems do not advise you when something has gone amiss in your billing procedures. They will simply try to get the patient to pay the balance owing on the account. If you do pay the case is closed and you will have paid more than necessary for the mistakes of others. This is wrong. The public is being under-informed with half truth billing statements.

DAVE TOLLE

Rathdrum