Don't pay for mistakes, check your medical bills carefully

Mistake happen, but now more than ever you can't afford to pay for errors on your medical bills. And overcharging is more common than you might think. According to the Medical Billing Advocates of America, 80 percent of medical bills from hospitals and providers contain errors.

Spotting medical mistakes can save you a bundle, so make sure to check your bill for unexpected fees or any services you didn't get. Ask for an itemized bill and check it for accuracy. If you have insurance, compare the bill to your plan's explanation of benefits (EOB) or Medicare summary notice before you respond to any hospital or doctor bills. Determine what care was covered by insurance and what your insurer claims you owe.

If you spot an error, don't ignore it—dispute it as soon as possible. And be prepared to negotiate charges with your insurer and the hospital billing office.

—Ginger Skinner

Take a look at some common medical-bill errors to look for, and see our tips on avoiding medical debt.