Worried about what you'll pay for hospital care? These tips may help you get a better deal

Going to a doctor in the United States can come with a major financial toll.

As concerns rise about medical debt in the United States, a growing number of organizations are offering resources to help patients navigate the complicated health care billing system. The problem is compounded by studies that have found many hospitals nationwide aren't complying with a federal law aimed to provide more transparency on health care costs.

So how can patients know they're getting the best price for their care?

"It’s a rocky road right now, and it's really the assertive consumers that are winning the game," said PatientRightsAdvocate.org founder and chairperson Cynthia Fisher.

Fisher and other patient advocates say the best step patients can take to avoid a large bill following a planned procedure or treatment is to do their research before they step foot in a hospital.

More:Most Iowa hospitals fail to comply with price transparency rule, leaving patients in the dark

Resources are available to compare costs across hospitals and shop for the best price.

Try a price comparison tool

The Iowa Hospital Association has its own comparison tool on its website, iowahospitalcharges.com. There, Iowans can compare costs for inpatient and outpatient services at hospitals in their area.

Many health care systems also have their own price estimator tools that offer some insight on what a certain surgery or test may cost. Hospitals also say their billing departments should be able to provide patients with a good idea on what they'll be charged for a planned surgery or procedure.

However, those estimations may not account for unforeseen charges patients may incur.

Try to negotiate a price up-front

To avoid an expensive medical bill, Fisher said patients should negotiate the price up-front, before a planned surgery or test.

Patients can look up prices at surgical centers that are transparent with their prices, and use those rates to negotiate with their local hospital, Fisher said. Patients can also use this method to renegotiate a charge after the bill arrives.

"You could use those prices to insist upon having a fair market price," Fisher said.

A list of surgery centers across the country with transparent pricing is available on PatientRightsAdvocate.org.

See if you can pay in cash for a much cheaper rate

Another good step patients can take is to see if a cash payment is feasible, Fisher said. Many hospitals offer a discount to patients willing to pay cash for their treatments and procedures, oftentimes at a price that is much lower than the rate negotiated with an insurance company, studies have shown.

Fisher shared one example of a patient who needed an MRI whose insurance was charged $3,000 total for the test. But by connecting with the hospital's billing department, the patient found the test cost only $250 if she paid the hospital directly.

Patients with employee-based insurance plans can also ask their employer if they're willing to reimburse the bill. Oftentimes, employers agree because of the reduced cost, Fisher said.

Contest the bill if you think you're being overcharged

If patients feel they are being overcharged, they should reach out to their hospital and to their insurance company to discuss the bill. Patients will be better equipped if they research the projected cost ahead of time, Fisher said, so she encouraged individuals to document how that price compares across various hospitals.

If people have insurance through an employer, they can also ask a human resources officer to advocate on their behalf.

"Keep trying, keep advocating," Fisher said.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How to navigate hospital prices to get a better deal