Questions About Your Hospital Bill

Understanding the Billing Process

Prior to being billed, you will receive a hospital stetement within two weeks after discharge or date of outpatient service. The statement will contain a summarized list of the supplies, medications, tests and procedures provided to you by Baptist Health Care. You should keep this copy for your records.

Accudoc Example Statement

Insurance plans and payments vary widely and can be affected by many issues. For example, many plans place specific requirements on patients, and if these requirements are not met, your insurance may not pay for your care. Should you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage or requirements, please contact your insurance company.

Baptist Health Care will file your insurance claims – including Medicare and Medicaid – based on the information you provide to us. The business office expects payment from most insurance companies within 45 days of filing and will monitor the status of your claim during that time. If you have supplemental insurance, it will be billed after payment has been received from your primary insurance company. For supplemental claims to be filed, the business office will need a complete copy of any form(s) your insurance company may require. Should Baptist Health Care have difficulty collecting from your insurance company, we may ask you to call them or write a letter.

Once all insurance payments have been received or if your insurance company does not respond with payment, you will become responsible for paying the balance due, and you will receive a billing statement due upon receipt.

Understanding your bill

If you do not have insurance, the hospital requires a preadmission deposit and payment of your account as outlined below.

Payment Options

Payment for elective procedures must be made prior to or on the day of service. For all non-elective procedures and services, the following payment options have been made available to our patients.

1. Insurance. Co-payments and deductibles should be paid at the time of service. Using the information from your insurance card, Baptist Health Care will bill all insurance claims on your behalf. Please call customer service if you have not supplied us with your current insurance information.
2. Payment in full within 30 days. Cash, check, debit cards and all major credit cards accepted.
3. Baptist Health Care financial assistance. If you meet specific income guidelines and require urgent or emergency care, you may qualify for assistance from the hospital. Call customer service at 448.227.3600 for further information.

Physician Billing Information

Your physician, as well as other health care professionals, will bill you separately for services that are not included as part of your hospital bill. Although these charges may be covered by insurance, they are your responsibility, and you will need to make separate arrangements for payment. In addition to your primary physician’s bill, you may be billed for:

• Consulting physician(s)
• Anesthesiologist
• Interpretation of diagnostic tests (such as EKGs or EEGs)
• Radiologist
• Pathologist
• Psychologist
• Emergency room physician
• Emergency medical services (ambulance)

Emergency Trauma Center Charges

The Baptist Hospital Emergency /Trauma Center is staffed 24 hours a day. Our team is highly trained in life-saving procedures. This level of service is figured into the care of every Emergency/Trauma Center patient and will be reflected in the total bill – even for patients being treated for problems like a sprained ankle, flu symptoms or a sore throat.

Customer Service

Baptist Health Care has a Patient Financial Services Department that can help you with any of your patient billing needs. They can help you by answering questions about your bill, tell you whether or not your health care insurance participates with Baptist, take your payments over the phone, and help determine your eligibility for financial assistance. A Baptist Health Care Customer Service team member is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact us at billing@bhcpns.org or call 448.227.3600 .