How Long After Medical Services Can You Be Billed?

You can typically be billed within 30 to 180 days after receiving medical services, but this depends on the provider, state laws, and insurance processing times. While many bills arrive within a few weeks, some can take months, especially if insurance or third-party claims are involved.

Medical billing is not always immediate. The timeline for receiving a bill after a doctor’s visit or hospital procedure depends on several factors. Hospitals and providers usually wait for insurance adjudication before sending a final bill. In some cases, this process can take up to 90 days or more. Additionally, delays can occur due to coding audits, claim denials, or coordination between primary and secondary insurance providers.

What Causes Delayed Medical Bills?

There are a few common reasons why you might receive a medical bill weeks or even months after care:

• Insurance Review: Most providers submit claims to insurance companies first. If the claim is delayed, under review, or denied and resubmitted, it can delay billing.

• Out-of-Network Providers: If you received services from out-of-network doctors at an in-network facility, separate billing and insurance processing may apply.

• Coding Errors: Incorrect medical codes can trigger claim denials, forcing a re-bill after correction, which extends the billing timeline.

• Multiple Parties Involved: Surgeries and hospitalizations often involve multiple professionals (surgeons, anesthesiologists, labs) billing separately.

Legal Limits on Medical Billing Timeframes

Most U.S. states have laws that define how long after medical services a provider or facility can legally send a bill:

• Statute of Limitations: In many states, providers have up to three to six years to collect medical debt.

• Prompt Pay Laws: Some states mandate providers to bill patients within a “reasonable” period—often 90 to 180 days—after service.

• Insurance Contracts: Insurers also have contract requirements with providers to submit claims within specific periods, such as 90 days from the date of service.

Check your state’s regulations or consult a patient advocate if you receive a bill after a long delay.

What If You Receive a Very Late Medical Bill?

If you receive a bill several months or even years after a procedure:

1. Request an Itemized Bill: This helps verify that charges are accurate and not duplicated.

2. Verify with Insurance: Confirm whether the insurance has paid or denied part of the charges.

3. Dispute or Negotiate: If the bill is old or incorrect, contact the billing department. Many offer payment plans or will reduce fees if challenged.

4. Know Your Rights: Under the No Surprises Act, patients are protected from unexpected bills from out-of-network providers in certain situations.

How to Protect Yourself from Unexpected or Delayed Medical Bills

To avoid surprise medical billing:

• Always ask providers if they are in-network before receiving care.

• Request pre-authorization when needed.

• Track explanation of benefits (EOBs) from your insurance provider.

• Use services like EZSettleSolutions to negotiate or settle high medical bills, especially if they come late or seem inaccurate.