ANCHORAGE – Attorneys from Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, a leading consumer-rights law firm, are investigating possible improper billing practices at Alaska Regional Hospital and are seeking information from patients.

Hagens Berman has been in contact with patients and the firm has reviewed billing statements that fail to credit payments from secondary insurers and/or bill patients in excess of the amounts contractually set for in-network care pursuant to agreements with insurers, including Medicare.

“Overcharging in-network rates and improperly applying payments are serious issues and can mean patients end up paying thousands of dollars more than they should for services. Further, Alaska Regional Hospital uses third-party bill collectors who often make misguided, aggressive collections calls and attack patients’ credit ratings,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman. “If we determine that Alaska Regional Hospital has been attempting to collect money from patients that patients do not owe, we will hold Alaska Regional Hospital accountable and put a stop to any improper practices.”

“The last thing patients recovering from hospital visits need is to be harassed by bill collectors for money the patients do not owe. Recovering patients should not have to worry about their credit score and checkbooks when they should instead be focusing on recovery,” Berman added.

The investigation into Alaska Regional Hospital’s billing practices isn’t the first time Hagens Berman has examined potential wrongdoing in Alaska. The firm represented clients affected by the 10 million gallons of oil spilled off the coast of Alaska by the Exxon Valdez, securing a multi-million dollar award for Alaska residents.

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About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is a consumer-rights class-action law firm with offices in nine cities. The firm has been named to the National Law Journal’s Plaintiffs’ Hot List eight times. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

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