Sierra Surgery Hospital understands that hospital bills can be confusing. You may have questions about your financial responsibility and what exactly your insurance may cover. Below are the most common questions patients ask about their insurance coverage, and clear, simple answers to them. By giving you a summary of your financial rights and responsibilities, we hope you can concentrate on the most important part of your hospital stay…getting better.
Frequently Asked Billing Questions
- Do I need to let my insurance company know that I am in the hospital?
Many changes have taken place in the health insurance industry in recent years. Procedures and services once covered in full are now only partially covered, covered only under certain circumstances or, in some cases, not covered at all. Since every insurance plan is different, please be sure to check your coverage and ask questions. You can contact your insurance plan directly, or contact your employer for more information. We also call your insurance company to verify benefits and coverage and will discuss this with you.
Your insurance plan can deny payment for services or procedures even after they have been authorized, verified, and completed. Many health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance plans now require pre-admission notification, approval, or second opinions for certain procedures.
For your own peace of mind, we recommend you know the benefits of your individual plan. Not following your insurance company’s rules could result in a large financial responsibility for you.
Sierra Surgery Hospital works with almost every insurance company. We verify benefits and eligibility and work with you and your physician’s office to obtain approval from your insurance carrier for services at Sierra Surgery. - Does the hospital need a copy of my insurance card?
Yes. Your insurance card contains information we need to file a claim with the insurance carrier on your behalf. Your registration process is smoother and faster when you bring your insurance information with you. - When do I have to pay my co-payment and deductible?
Surgery patients are expected to pay their estimated deductible and a deposit toward their copay prior to surgery. The hospital accepts cash, personal checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express credit cards.
Radiology patients are given the option to pay after their insurance company has paid on their account. There are several options available to them. - What if I am having difficulties paying my deductible or copay?
Contact the Business Office to discuss payment arrangements at the numbers listed below. We have several payment options that might be available to you. - Will the hospital bill my insurance company for me?
Yes, the hospital will, as a courtesy to you, send your insurance company a bill for services you incurred as a patient. It is important to remember however, that the hospital relies on you for settling your account in full regardless of your insurance coverage. Your insurance policy is an agreement between you and your health insurance carrier.
If you have insurance, we will send the bill directly to your company. In most cases, your bill will be mailed within one week. - What if I do not have insurance?
The hospital offers a 30% discount for surgery patients with no insurance and a 50% discount for patients having radiology services. Payment is expected at time of service or the appropriate payment arrangements must be made. Financial Assistance is available if you qualify. Registration will be able to provide the forms for completion. Any questions may be directed to the Business Office at the numbers listed below. - Are my physician’s charges incorporated in my hospital bill?
No, your physician’s bill is separate from the hospital bill. You will get a separate bill for medical and professional services you receive during your hospitalization, such as the pathologist, anesthesiologist, surgical first assistance, neurophysiologist, other physician consultants requested by your surgeon and outpatient laboratory services. Please contact their private offices with questions about their bills, as these individuals may work at the hospital, but do not work for the hospital. - Who do I call if I have questions about my bill?
Contact the Business Office to get any questions answered. The billing office is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday and can be reached at 775-283-3671, 775-283-3665 or 775-283-3662. - Can I pay my bill online?
Sierra Surgery plans to launch an online bill pay option in the winter of 2008. Check back for further details. - Important Terms and Definitions:
- Co-payment – The portion of your bill you are required to pay. Co-payment amounts vary depending on your insurance policy.
- Deductible – The amount your insurance company determines you must pay before they begin dispensing benefits on services rendered.
- Insurance Claim – The bill for services the hospital submits to your insurance company or companies.
- Itemized bill – A list of individual charges for services and procedures you received during your hospital stay. Also lists your account number.
- Patient balance – The amount on your bill that you need to pay.
- Statement of Account – Shows any activity (for example, insurance payments or denials) that has occurred on a monthly basis. Each visit will have a different Admission number.
