What should Barker do if he has incurred unexpected charges for services he thought were covered?

If Barker has incurred unexpected charges for services he believed were covered, the best course of action is to review the plan's appeal process for coverage review. This step is crucial because it allows him to formally dispute the charges and seek clarification on why the services were not covered as he expected.

Engaging with the appeals process ensures that he is utilizing the protocols set forth by his plan, which may provide a structured way for him to present his case and potentially receive coverage for the service in question. Understanding the appeal process can also clarify his rights under his health plan, guiding him on how to proceed if he believes the charges should be waived or the coverage should apply.

While contacting the billing department for clarification could provide immediate information regarding the charges, it does not necessarily address the underlying issue of coverage and appeal rights that are critical in this scenario. Similarly, making a payment to the provider or changing his plan might not resolve the confusion about the coverage itself and would not guarantee that he won’t face similar issues in the future. Thus, reviewing the appeal process is a proactive approach to addressing the unexpected charges.