How to Read a Medical Bill

Decode CPT codes, ICD-10 diagnoses, and spot overcharges

Medical bills are deliberately opaque. Between CPT codes, ICD-10 diagnoses, facility fees, and bundled services, it's easy to miss overcharges. This guide walks through each section of a typical hospital bill.

Bill vs. EOB — Know the Difference

The Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer shows what was billed, what was negotiated, and what you owe. The bill from the provider is what they're asking you to pay. These numbers should match — if they don't, one is wrong.

CPT and ICD-10 Codes

CPT codes (5 digits) describe the service performed. ICD-10 codes (letter + digits) describe the diagnosis. The two must align — an MRI CPT code paired with an unrelated ICD-10 is often a miscoded claim insurers will deny.

Where Overcharges Hide

How Medigami Helps

Upload your itemized bill and Medigami's free AI scanner decodes every CPT and ICD-10 code, flags duplicates and unbundling, and shows line-by-line how much you can expect to recover via dispute or negotiation.

Educational information only. Not legal, medical, or insurance advice. Statutes, deadlines, and eligibility thresholds vary by plan type and state — consult a licensed attorney, state-certified insurance counselor, or nonprofit patient advocate about your specific situation.


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