Medical Bill Negotiation Script: 7 Copy-Paste Scripts That Work
Use these scripts during billing calls and follow-up emails to request itemized statements, dispute errors, negotiate settlements, and secure affordable payment plans.
Before You Call: 5-Minute Prep
- 1. Have your account number, date of service, and insurer EOB ready.
- 2. Write your target outcome: corrected bill, discount, settlement, or plan.
- 3. Decide your maximum lump-sum offer and monthly plan amount.
- 4. Ask for a reference number on every call.
- 5. Get all agreements in writing before payment.
Copy-Paste Medical Bill Negotiation Scripts
Script 1: First Call to Hospital Billing
"Hi, I am calling about account [ACCOUNT NUMBER]. I need to review this balance before payment. Please confirm the current balance, send me an itemized bill with CPT and revenue codes, and tell me what discount or financial assistance options are available on this account. I can discuss resolution after I receive the detailed statement."
Script 2: Disputing Errors Found on the Bill
"I found billing issues on this account: [LIST ERROR]. I need these corrected before any payment. Please open a billing review, pause collections activity during review, and send me a corrected statement in writing."
Script 3: Prompt-Pay Settlement Offer
"I want to resolve this account today. If I pay now, what is your best settlement amount? If you can mark this paid in full at [OFFER AMOUNT], I can pay immediately once I receive written confirmation."
Script 4: Hardship Discount Request
"This balance is not affordable for my household. Based on my income, I am requesting a hardship discount or charity care review. Please tell me exactly what documents you need and place a hold on collections while the application is pending."
Script 5: Payment Plan Negotiation
"I cannot pay the full balance, but I can pay [MONTHLY AMOUNT] per month. I am requesting a zero-interest payment plan for [12/24/36] months. Please send the full terms in writing before the first payment."
Script 6: Escalation to Supervisor
"Thank you. I would like to escalate this to a supervisor or patient financial counselor. I am requesting a review of discount authority, financial assistance eligibility, and options to settle this account fairly."
Script 7: If Account Is in Collections
"I am requesting written debt validation for account [ACCOUNT NUMBER], including original provider details and itemized charges. After validation, I am willing to discuss a reduced settlement. Any agreement must include written confirmation that payment satisfies the account in full."
Follow-Up Email Template
Subject: Account [ACCOUNT NUMBER] - Written Confirmation Request Hello, Thank you for speaking with me on [DATE] regarding account [ACCOUNT NUMBER]. This email confirms our discussion: - Balance discussed: [AMOUNT] - Agreed resolution: [DISCOUNT / SETTLEMENT / PLAN] - Payment terms: [DETAILS] - Effective date: [DATE] Please reply with written confirmation that payment under these terms will satisfy the account as agreed. Thank you, [YOUR NAME]
When to Escalate to Professional Negotiators
- 1. Total balances are high or split across multiple providers.
- 2. You are dealing with coding disputes plus denied claims.
- 3. Collections pressure is active and timelines are short.
- 4. You need end-to-end handling of calls, appeals, and documentation.