An estimated 55 million Americans receive a problem medical bill annually, so it is not surprising that there is no shortage of advice for patients receiving problem medical bills.  A January article in Time, “How to Negotiate Your Medical Bills”, is a good example of typical advice. Its suggestions include asking the provider about financial assistance and payment plans or discounts, and advises that “the way you’re not going to win [against a problem medical bill] is having someone who’s screaming, because you’re trying to convince another person to help you.” Although I also don’t suggest screaming at a provider, the article is an excellent example of how conventional wisdom is misguided regarding addressing a medical bill that one thinks is unfair, illegal, or that he or she may not owe. When a patient confronts such a medical bill, the patient should not be “trying to convince [the provider] to help,” but disputing to the provider that he or she owes the bill.