Frequently Asked Billing Questions
Will I be asked to remit payment prior to services being rendered?
Methodist Hospital will ask for payment of any known patient responsibilities associated with services being provided prior to your visit. The members of our admissions team will verify your eligibility as well as any co-pays or deductibles prior to your services being performed. At that time they will notify you of your estimated responsibility and will request payment prior to services being rendered.
Will Methodist Hospital send my hospital bill to my insurance company/companies or will I have to do that?
If you are covered by insurance, we will file your bill with any insurance company you have authorized, but please make sure to provide us with complete information at the time of registration. This includes addresses, policy numbers, group numbers, etc. We must have a signed authorization permitting us to file your insurance with these companies.
What billing or insurance information will I receive from Methodist Hospital?
After you receive services, we will notify you that your insurance has been billed. After insurance payments have been processed and applied to your account, you will receive a summary statement showing total charges, payments and total adjustments from Methodist Hospital. In addition, you will receive an Explanation of Benefits statement from your insurance provider. This statement will show the amount paid and the amount that you will be responsible for. If you do not have insurance, you will receive a copy of your bill. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered.
How long will it take to get things settled with the insurance company?
Generally, it takes 45 to 60 days to obtain payment from your insurance carrier. Methodist Hospital will work with the various payer sources for up to 90 days to resolve your bill. If it is not resolved during that time, the bill may become your responsibility.
How can I find out whether my insurance company has paid my bill or how much they have paid?
To receive a status report on your account, call Methodist Hospital at (626) 898-8000 and ask to speak with one of our Patient Account representatives in the Financial Services Department. Our Patient Account Representatives will be pleased to provide you with the latest information associated with your account. You may also contact your insurance company at the customer service telephone number listed on your Insurance Identification Card.
How can I get an itemized copy of my bill?
You may call us at (626) 898-8000 or in writing to:
Methodist Hospital, Patient Financial Services Department
300 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91006.
I don’t understand some of the items on my bill. Can you explain them?
Call Methodist Hospital at (626) 898-8000 and ask to speak to one of our Patient Account representatives in the Patient Financial Services Department. If necessary, our representative will have the bill audited against your medical records and if a discrepancy is found, an adjustment will be made to your account.
I received notice that my insurance company has paid part of my bill, but don’t understand how they calculated the payment amount. Can you help me?
If we have received information from your insurance carrier, we will be glad to share it with you. However, for answers to any questions about insurance payments, deductibles or co-payments, you should first check with your insurance company.
Why am I getting bills from physicians?
Each physician who provides professional services will send you a separate bill from his or her office.
These may include:
- Your primary physician,
- Others who conducted tests and procedures, even some you may not meet personally,
- Consulting physicians chosen by your primary physician to read and interpret test results.
- Examples include anesthesiologists, cardiologists, pathologists, radiologists and physicians in emergency medicine or nuclear medicine.
If you have questions about these bills or related insurance coverage, please call the physician’s office listed on the billing statement.
Does Methodist Hospital offer payment options?
Total payment is expected for the patient’s portion of the medical bill at time of discharge. We accept cash, checks (including money orders) and credit cards. If total payment is not received, monthly payments – based on an approved payment plan – are acceptable. We will be glad to discuss arrangements with you, so that the plan is mutually satisfactory.
Can I obtain financial assistance to cover my bill?
We do offer financial assistance to patients that are unable to pay their bills in a timely fashion. Call Methodist Hospital at (626) 898-8000 and ask to speak to one of our Patient Account representatives to discuss the eligibility and documentation requirements associated with financial assistance.
Why must I pay for a copy of my medical records?
Releasing health information to other healthcare providers, patients, and authorized users is a basic function when managing health information. However, we must charge for this service because of the time and expense associated, including obtaining proper authorization, processing and postage costs.