Q: I was overcharged on my medical bill & was refused to to recieve a breakdown of the service from the facility.

A: I understand how frustrating and concerning this situation must be. You have a right to receive a detailed breakdown of the services you were billed for. Here are a few steps you can take to try to resolve this:

1. Submit a formal written request: Write a letter to the facility requesting an itemized bill and a copy of your medical records. Cite the relevant California laws, such as Health and Safety Code Section 123110, which gives patients the right to access their medical records. Send the letter via certified mail and keep a copy for your records.

2. File a complaint with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH): If the facility continues to refuse to provide the requested information, you can file a complaint with the CDPH, which regulates healthcare facilities in California. You can file a complaint online or by calling the CDPH district office nearest to you.

3. Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the situation and ask for their assistance in obtaining the necessary information from the facility. They may have more leverage to get the facility to comply.

4. Consult with a legal aid organization or attorney: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider seeking legal advice. Some organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services in California include:

- Legal Aid Association of California

- California Health Advocates

- Health Consumer Alliance

5. Gather evidence: Save all correspondence with the facility, including the email from the former billing department employee. This information could be useful if you need to take legal action.

Remember, you have a right to know what services you were billed for, and the facility has an obligation to provide that information. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek help if needed.