Billing
All patients should familiarize themselves with the terms of their insurance coverage. This will help you understand the hospital's billing procedures and charges. If there is a question about your insurance coverage, a Financial Counselor will contact you or a member of your family while you are in the hospital. Information may be needed in order to process your claims.

If You Have Health Insurance
We will need a copy of your identification card. We also may need the insurance forms that are supplied by your employer or the insurance company. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the hospital. 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 in the hospital. Some physician specialists may not participate in your healthcare 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 are also the responsibility of the patient.

During your hospital stay, the hospital staff will be working with you to prepare for your safe discharge and arrange for services you may need after you leave the hospital.   When you no longer need inpatient hospital care, your doctor or the hospital staff will inform you of your planned discharge date.  If you think you are being discharged too soon, you can talk to the hospital staff; your doctor and your managed care plan (if you belong to one) about your concerns. To speak with someone at the hospital about this issue, call 714- 4791. 

You also have the right to an appeal, that is, a review of your case by a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO).  The QIO is an outside reviewer hired by Medicare to look at your case to decide whether you are ready to leave the hospital. Report any concerns you have about the quality of care you receive to the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) listed here: Mountain Pacific Quality Health Foundation 1-800-497-8232.

If You Are Covered by Medicaid
We will need a copy of your Medicaid card or coupon.  Medicaid also has payment limitations on a number of services and items.

If You Have No Insurance
A Financial Counselor is available to discuss financial arrangements with you or assist you in applying for Medicaid or other government assistance programs. They can also share hospital guidelines for applying for financial assistance.  They can be contacted at 714-4400 or 714-4401.

At Central Peninsula Hospital, we adhere to core values of compassion and respect in providing care for people in need. We know that sometimes the need for medical services comes out of the blue and may not fit into your household budget. If your hospital bills are causing financial hardship for your family, we can help. Discounts, payment plans and financial assistance may be available. Confidentiality of information and individual dignity will be maintained for all who seek our services. For more information, call our Financial Counselors at 714-4400.

Your Hospital Bill
The hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. But 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. Your bill reflects the services you received during your stay.

Charges fall into two categories: a basic daily room rate and charges for any special services your physician orders for you, such as x-rays, laboratory tests, medications from the pharmacy and supplies. If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive bills 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. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you receive from them.

Questions?
A Financial Counselor can answer questions about your hospital bill and help you interpret financial policies and billing procedures at the hospital. You may contact a Financial Counselor by calling 714-4400 or 714-4401.