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Business ServicesSorting through medical billing statements can be a confusing and daunting task. The staff of the New Ulm Medical Center’s Business Services Department can be an invaluable resource in the effort to plan for medical expenses as well as assuring that all the steps toward proper resolution of your bill have been taken. In addition to patient registration and customer service, the Business Department’s competent staff offers financial counseling, price estimates, verification of insurance eligibility and insurance authorization before services are given. In an effort to continue to provide our patients with the most requested services, the Business Services Department was instrumental in the addition of an automatic teller machine (ATM) that patients can now access in the lobby of the Emergency Department waiting area. We recommend that patients should familiarize themselves with the terms of their insurance coverage. This may help you understand the hospital’s billing procedures and charges. If we have a question about your insurance coverage, a member of the patient accounting department will contact you or a member of your family while you are here. Likewise, if you have a question about your insurance or billing, please contact a member of the patient accounting department. If you have health insurance we will need a copy of your insurance card. Depending on the extent of your coverage and deductible requirements, you may be asked to pay a deposit. You will be asked to sign an authorization allowing the release of your bill to your insurance company and the direct payment of your benefits to the Medical Center. If you are a member of an HMO or PPO your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan’s requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered by the Medical Center. Some physician specialists may not participate in your health care plan and their services may not be covered. If you are covered by Medicare we will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. You should be aware that the Medicare program specifically excludes payment for certain items and services such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations and others. Deductibles and co-payments also are the responsibility of the patient. We will file your claim to your Medicare Supplement insurance plan after Medicare pays, if applicable. If you are covered by Medical Assistance we will need a copy of your Medical Assistance card. Medical Assistance has payment limitations on a number of services and items. If you have no insurance a representative of the patient accounting department will discuss financial arrangements with you, which may include paying by cash or check, paying by credit card, applying for a loan account through MedCredit, or qualifying for our free care option (click here for an application). The Medical Center is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. You should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill. We have several payment options available to assist you in paying your bill. Hospital BillingYour hospital bill reflects all of the services you receive during your stay. Charges fall into two categories: a basic daily rate, which includes your room, meals, nursing care, housekeeping, telephone and television; and charges for special services, which include items your physician orders for you, such as X-rays, laboratory tests or medications. Physician BillingYou will receive a separate bill for all physician services. Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies require us to submit clinic bills and bills for physician services in a different format. This prevents us from combining your hospital and clinic bills into one. If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive a bill from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these doctors in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists and other specialists perform these services and are required to submit separate bills. Anesthesia services are also billed separately. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you receive from them. The Business Services offices are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reach the cashier/customer service office at 507-233-1120, and the patient registration office at 507-233-1684. |
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New Ulm Medical Center
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