But much of the "itemization" is often in code or language unfamiliar to a non-professional. I did not understand at all what most of the "tems" were.
I'm sure I made them very PO'd, but if they haven't the time to write a paragraph explaining why I was charged $300 for this or #450 for that, then I haven't the time to bother writing them a check.
Very good point. Most bills have a code plus a few words describing the procedure done, and some of it is easy to understand--"99254, inpatient consult"--but others are incomprehensible to the lay person, to wit: "80061, hepatic function panel." On a long statement for an inpatient stay that may run to many pages even in its abbreviated form, there couldn't possibly be space to explain just why the doctor ordered a particular test and what its purpose might be. And that's why it's necessary to be very attentive in reading any medical bill you have to pay. Your insurance carrier reads them pretty carefully and determines if the codes are appropriate for your disease.
I've seen some bills that were very humane and easy to understand, and on the backs of many ER bills there are clear explanations of what was done and why.