My doctor’s bill and my Medicare statement show different amounts. Which one am I supposed to pay?

Ask the billing office to explain the difference before treating either number as the final amount you owe. The documents may reflect different stages of the claim, and another insurer may still need to pay.

For the same service date, gather the provider’s itemized bill and any statement from your other insurer. For Original Medicare, use your Medicare Summary Notice; for Medicare Advantage, use your plan’s Explanation of Benefits. Check:

1. Did the provider bill the correct insurers in the right order?
2. Does the bill show the payments and adjustments listed on those statements?
3. Has the provider included any payment you already made?

If Medicare is your secondary insurer, the first insurer’s decision matters too. Ask the office to send a corrected statement or explain each remaining charge. You can also check whether Medicare has processed the claim through your Medicare account.

Ask whether the office can pause collection activity while it investigates, and get any agreement in writing. A billing dispute does not automatically pause a due date or an appeal deadline.