Thirty-eight percent of Americans are confused by their medical bills, according to a Dec. 16 survey from Akasa, a revenue cycle firm that uses artificial intelligence.
More than 2,000 Americans were asked to rate how confusing medical bills are on a scale of 1-5 — with 1 being not confusing at all and 5 being extremely confusing — according to the report. YouGov conducted the survey commissioned by Akasa March 9-14.
4 things to know:
1. Nineteen percent said they find medical bills somewhat confusing and 19 percent said they find medical bills extremely confusing.
2. Eleven percent said they didn't find medical bills confusing at all and 14 percent leaned toward medical bills not being confusing.
3. Twenty-nine percent said not being able to understand what they're being billed for is the most frustrating financial experience after seeking medical care. Twenty-seven percent said uncertainty about whether they can pay the bill is the most frustrating experience.
4. Twenty-seven percent said receiving a call before a procedure from the physician's office or hospital staff would be the most helpful way to help them understand how much they are expected to pay.