“I have the opportunity to work with patients and their families during their hospital stay to provide information and referrals for a safe transition to their home or another living environment.”
Laura Doscher, Discharge Planning
Frequently Asked Questions About Billing
Will the hospital bill my primary and secondary insurance?
Yes, as a courtesy to you, Mahaska Health Partnership (MHP) will submit bills to all of your insurance companies. You will need to provide us with complete information on all insurances. Some insurance companies require additional information from the patient before they will process a claim. In this instance, it may be necessary for you to contact your insurance company and provide them with the additional information.
Will I receive an itemized statement?
Itemized statements are sent only if you request one. To request an itemized statement, please call 641-672-3315, between 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Do you offer payment arrangements?
Yes, payment arrangements may be made by contacting us at 641-672-3315, between 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Why did I receive separate bills for the hospital and the doctor(s)?
Physicians, pathologists, radiologists and other specialists submit separate bills. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on your statement.
I stayed overnight in the hospital. Why is this billed as an outpatient stay?
The physician who ordered your service determined that your condition did not meet the criteria for an inpatient admission. The physician's written order determines if we bill as an inpatient or an outpatient.
Medicare and my supplement always pay my bill in full. Why do I have a balance due?
Medicare will not pay for self-administered drugs given to a patient on an outpatient basis. If you were in the emergency room or were an observation patient you may be required to pay for drugs that Medicare determines as self-administered. Medicare also has medical necessity checks on certain outpatient tests. If Medicare has determined your test to be not medically necessary, you will be required to sign an Advanced Beneficiary Notice prior to the test being performed. The test(s) will then be your responsibility. Normally, if Medicare does not pay for a test your supplement will not pay for it either.
Must I register each time I come to the hospital?
Yes, we are required to submit a separate bill each time you present for services at the hospital. However, some exceptions include recurring physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy. The admitting staff will educate you if you have been given a recurring number. Patient registration information is stored in our computers and is retrieved each time you present for services. We ask that you verify that the information is accurate. Medicare requires that we ask specific questions to determine if Medicare is the primary payer. Your assistance in verifying the information is always appreciated.
Must I show my insurance cards each time I present for services?
Yes, we require a copy of your insurance cards each time you present for service to ensure that we are billing the correct insurance company. Insurance information can change from month to month so it is important that we have a copy for correct claims filing information.
Why should I contact my insurance company if they do not pay my bill?
Patient Accounts will make every effort to resolve your account with your insurance company. Occasionally, we will be unable to resolve the issue with your carrier and will need your assistance. If your insurance company is questioning the responsibility of another third party payer, usually they will only accept information from the patient or the subscriber.
How do I know if my health plan requires a referral or pre-certification for a service?
Your benefit book or provider directory should provide this for you. If not, call the customer service phone number listed on your insurance identification card.
What is a co-payment?
A co-payment is a set fee the member pays to the provider at the time services are rendered. Co-pays usually apply to emergency room and office visits. The costs are usually minimal.
What is a deductible?
Deductibles are set amounts that a member must pay before their insurance benefits are paid. For example, if a member’s policy has a $500 deductible, the member must accumulate $500 of covered services before the insurance carrier will pay benefits. Once the member has met their deductible, the insurance carrier will usually pay the remainder at a specified percentage.
What is co-insurance?
Co-insurance is a percentage of your bill. For example, after your deductible has been satisfied, your insurance carrier will usually pay the remainder at a certain percentage, such as 80 percent. The remaining 20 percent will be the member’s responsibility.