Should I pay a medical bill I'm appealing?

Not yet. Paying can be read as accepting the charge. Call the provider's billing office, say the claim is under appeal, and ask them to pause the account — most will.

What if I already missed the deadline?

Ask anyway. Some plans and states allow late appeals for good cause, defective denial notices can restart the clock, and your state insurance commissioner can still help.

Guides · Getting started · Updated July 2026

What to do the day your claim is denied

A denial letter is designed to make you give up. Don't. Here's exactly what to do today, calmly, in order.

1. Don't panic, and don't pay yet

A denied claim is not a final bill. Paying it can be treated as accepting the charge — call the provider and ask them to pause the account because the claim is under appeal.

2. Find the reason code

On the EOB, look for "reason code," "adjustment code," or "CO-##/PR-##." That code is the key to everything. Look it up here.

3. Write down your deadline

From the date on the denial: 180 days (most plans), 120 (Original Medicare), ~90 (Medicaid), 65 (Medicare Advantage). Put it on your calendar today.

4. Gather three things

The denial letter, your EOB, and your doctor's relevant notes. That's usually all you need to start.

5. Draft the appeal

The free AppealClock tool writes the letter for you and tracks the deadline. It takes minutes, and your medical details never leave your device.

Don't fight it alone — and don't miss the deadline

AppealClock translates your denial, drafts your appeal letter, and watches every deadline so you can't miss it. Free, no account, your medical details never leave your device.

Start your appeal & set your clock →

Common questions

Should I pay a medical bill I'm appealing?: Not yet. Paying can be read as accepting the charge. Call the provider's billing office, say the claim is under appeal, and ask them to pause the account — most will.
What if I already missed the deadline?: Ask anyway. Some plans and states allow late appeals for good cause, defective denial notices can restart the clock, and your state insurance commissioner can still help.