Understanding Your Bill

Take Charge of Your Payments

The hospital billing process may seem complicated, but you can feel more in control by knowing exactly what your bill covers. For example, if you stay overnight, you can expect to see charges for your room (which includes these itemized services: supplies, medication, meals and 24-hour nursing care). The bill also will show charges for any special services, such as X-rays and lab tests. You’ll receive bills for doctors, surgeons and specialists (Emergency Room, hospitalists, radiologists, etc.) separately from the hospital.

If you have Medicare, you may be asked questions to determine if Medicare is the primary payer. This ensures that Medicare only pays for services not covered by other insurance you may have. If you have secondary insurance, this usually covers Medicare deductibles. If you don’t have secondary insurance, you need to pay these amounts yourself. Also be sure to read your quarterly MSNs (Medicare Summary Notices) to review:

• the amount your doctor(s) charged
  
• the amount Medicare approved and paid
  
• the amount you owe
  
• your current deductible status
  

If you have questions, call the customer service number listed on your statement.

We will need a copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid has payment limitations on a number of services and items.

CHRISTUS is a certified Louisiana Medicaid enrollment center. For more information, call 318-681-5880.

If you use a commercial insurance provider, then the hospital forwards your claim based on the information you provide at registration. About a month after you leave the hospital, you’ll get an explanation of benefits (EOB) statement from your insurance provider. This isn’t a bill. EOBs show:

• the amount billed by your doctor or hospital
  
• how much of that cost is covered by your insurance
  
• how much you owe
  

Review this and all other bill-related documents carefully. If you have questions, contact your doctor or the customer service number listed on the statement.

If you’re planning to pay your bills without help from Medicare or a commercial insurance provider, then you’ll get bills directly from the hospital. Self-pay patients have the right to receive a "good faith" estimate before a planned hospital stay. To learn more, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

When the first bill arrives, call the hospital’s financial services department to set up a payment plan. Communicate with the financial services department as soon as possible. If you don’t set up a payment plan, or if you stop making payments, then your account may be placed with a collection agency. The hospital wants to work with you, so reach out with any questions or concerns you have by contacting the patient financial services department at 318-681-4256 or toll free at 888-336-8115.

As of January 15, 2007, CHRISTUS will discount bills for all uninsured patients for medically necessary services. More information will be provided at registration or during your visit. After your bill has been discounted, you will be asked to pay the remainder. If you are unable to pay your bill, we will work with you to see if you can:

• qualify for programs like Medicaid or Medicare
• set up a payment plan
• apply for a charity discount

We also provide financial assistance for patients who qualify. Some services are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance. Please contact your insurance provider with questions.

If you have current insurance coverage, our hospital billing department will bill your insurance company shortly after your visit. Your insurance company should pay your hospital bill within 60 days.

You may need to contact your insurance company if payment is delayed. If your insurance company needs more information from you, please respond as quickly as possible so payment is not delayed. You may be responsible for all or part of the remaining charges that are not paid by your health benefit plan, and payment will be due upon receipt of your bill.

This disclosure is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Section 324.101.

Commonly Confused Terms

• Deductible: The amount you owe each year before your insurance begins making payments.
  
• Co-payment: A flat fee you pay for a specific service, usually due at the time of service.
  
• Coinsurance: The portion of your medical expenses that you’re personally responsible for paying.
  

Keep Track

One of the key ways to feel well-informed and less overwhelmed about the hospital billing process is to stay organized. Keep all of your statements and bills together, and review each one as it arrives.

Understanding Coordination of Benefits (COB)

COBs happen when you’re covered under two or more insurance companies. This may occur when spouses or partners are listed on each other’s insurance policies, or when both parents carry their children on their individual policies.

To prevent duplicate payments, COBs determine the primary payer. Your insurance providers follow guidelines to choose who pays first. Check with your insurance provider about their rules for COBs, primary payers and forms to fill out.

Need Help?

If you don’t understand something on your bill, or if you’re having trouble paying your bills, contact the Business Office at ext. 4256.

We’re Here for You!

Please contact the CHRISTUS Business Office if you have questions concerning your bill.

Office Hours:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You can call the Business Office at 318-681-4256 or toll free 800-756-7999.

To pay your bill online, please visit www.christusepay.com.