Thank you for trusting Monroe County Hospital & Clinics for your health care needs. From treatment to final payment, we want you to understand the process. Please feel free to ask questions about anything you do not understand related to your bill. We are happy to assist you in any way we can.
Registration
At the time of registration, you will be asked to provide either a current insurance card of information about your current insurance company. We will also ask for any specific forms or original documentation (claim forms, authorizations, referrals, etc.) required by your insurance company as needed. As a courtesy, we will file your insurance claim, but you are ultimately responsible for paying for the services provided.
During registration you will be asked to sign a General Consent for Treatment/ Assignment of Insurance Benefits form. These forms allow MCHC to treat you as a patient, to file with your insurance carrier and have your carrier make payments directly to MCHC.
Workers Compensation
Your employer must approve Workers Compensation coverage PRIOR to your registration. MCHC will not become involved in disputes between you and your company other than to supply factual information.
Financial Payments
MCHC requests the patient portion of charges be paid at time of service. The amount you pay varies depending on your insurance coverage. Most policies require patients to pay a deductible and a percentage of the remaining cost of services (co-payments). MCHC will make every attempt to verify your insurance benefits prior to service. If possible, we will inform you of the approximate amount you will owe, and arrange for payment. MCHC accepts personal checks, cash, MasterCard, Visa and Discover. If payment of service is not possible, MCHC will perform services that are indicated to be medically necessary and a payment plan will be arranged.
Payment in Full
We have a prompt payment discount of 20% if your bill is paid within 30 days of first statement date. Delinquent accounts will be referred to outside collection agencies when payment in full has not been received or an appropriate payment plan has not been established.
Uncompensated Care (Financial Assistance)
MCHC recognizes its responsibility to provide uncompensated care to those who qualify. Uncompensated care guidelines are based on Poverty Income Guidelines that are released annually by the federal government. If you believe you would qualify for uncompensated care, contact the Business Office at (641) 932-1745 for assistance.
Pre-certification
Many insurance plans have pre-certification requirements. Generally, patients or their physicians are responsible for obtaining pre-certification. To avoid penalties or reduction of payments, call your insurance carrier or employer for specific information.
Commercial Insurance
We will bill your insurance carrier if you have provided us with all the necessary policy information. In the absence of necessary billing information, you will be responsible for payment of your entire account. Our fees are accepted by most insurance plans as “usual, customary and reasonable.” In the event your insurance carrier is not prompt in making payment, MCHC may need your assistance in contacting your carrier for payment. In cases where the service has not been paid, you will be personally responsible for the bill.
Payment Arrangement
A monthly payment agreement may be signed in the Business Office. For more information, contact the Business Office at (641) 932-1745.
Billing Statements
In some cases you will receive multiple statements for a single date of service. Physician fees for interpretation of x-rays, laboratory, pathology etc. services are sent to you by the provider who performed the service (i.e. Radiology Associates). Emergency room physician services will be billed from the Monroe County Hospital Medical Clinic. Emergency Room usage will be billed from Monroe County Hospital & Clinics.
The hospital utilizes a company that acts on behalf of MCHC in the event follow-up is required on your account. This is not a collection agency. In many instances, you may receive a courtesy phone call after you receive your first payment statement. The purpose of this phone call is to try to obtain missed insurance information not given at time of registration. If no further insurance is available, or there has been an insufficient payment, every effort will be made to arrange for payment. If the efforts are unsuccessful, your account may be forwarded to a collection agency.